Huntley teachers reject 'last, best' offer

Huntley Education Association members "overwhelmingly" rejected a final contract offer from the Huntley school board Tuesday afternoon, with union representatives calling the latest proposal unfair.

But despite the unfavorable vote, union officials say a teacher's strike is not imminent.

Union members met behind closed doors for about 90 minutes before voting on the proposal, which the Huntley Unit District 158 board called its "last, best and final" offer at a negotiating session that ended at 1:30 a.m. Monday.

About 450 of the union's approximately 550-teacher membership cast secret ballots, but a final vote tally was not immediately available.

"There was an overwhelming response rejecting the offer," union co-president Julie Hunter said shortly after the meeting. "It is just not a fair contract."

Hunter would not elaborate on exact details of the contract but said the union dismissed the contract as a whole.

Though a deal has not been reached and the union filed a 10-day intent-to-strike notice last Monday, union officials said members did not vote on taking strike action.

"We are committed to do all we can to avoid that," said union spokeswoman Britt Crowe. "We want to keep talking until we reach an agreement that is fair to everyone."

New district teachers started the school year on Tuesday, while returning teachers begin their school year on Thursday. Students are scheduled to return to class on Monday. Hunter said elementary teachers will hold classroom open houses on Thursday.

Union officials are expected to meet with district superintendent John Burkey Wednesday morning to discuss holding another negotiating session.

The district's chief negotiator, board member Larry Snow, said board members could meet with union leaders at 7 p.m. Wednesday during a pre-scheduled school board closed session.

Though the board deemed the latest offer its best, last and final, Snow said the board would consider the union's counterproposal.

Contract talks began in February and the current contract expired June 30.

In its most recent offer, the board offered a shorter school year, increased salaries and health insurance benefits, as well as an option to reward outstanding teachers.

"The board feels it met the salary levels the HEA asked for on Friday," Snow said. "But we will review any complete written proposal that they have."