Dist. 207, teachers agree in principle to contract

Maine Township High School District 207 teachers on Monday ratified a new five-year contract after more than a year of talks.

Teachers approved the proposed agreement by a 450-92 vote, according to school board member Eric Leys, who said Monday evening that he received an e-mail with the final vote.

District 207 school board members early Tuesday are expected to approve the agreement at a special meeting.

Teachers used time between classes at the district's three high schools in Des Plaines and Park Ridge during the day to cast their votes.

Discussions between teachers and district officials began in February 2007. The previous agreement expired last August.

Teachers would get about a 3 percent pay increase each year over five years, officials said.

Few other details were available about the proposal pending the board's meeting.

A teachers union representative declined to comment Monday since the votes were still being tallied.

Leys said he expects the new agreement to net board approval Tuesday.

"It's a good solution for everyone," Leys said.

The two sides reached an agreement last month after calling in a federal mediator.

Sticking points had included salaries, retroactive pay and the length of the new contract.