Dist. 158 teachers report for first classes

Teachers reported to work Monday for the first day of class in Huntley Unit District 158 despite the lingering threat of a strike.

The District 158 school board and the teachers union met for three hours of negotiations Sunday morning but were unable to reach a deal.

"There was no progress," Superintendent John Burkey said.

The board still is considering the union's latest proposal to raise teacher compensation by at least 6 percent, 7 percent and 8 percent in years one, two and three of the contract.

The board's latest offer would give most teachers 5.25 percent pay raises in the first year; after that, pay would rise with the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, plus an additional 0.65 percent.

Union Co-President Julie Hunter said Sunday the union would give the community 48 hours' notice if teachers decide to strike.

But District 158 educators said it was business as usual Monday.

"We're going on with our day and our same routines," said Jennifer Zayas, principal of Mackeben Elementary School in Algonquin. "We're going on as usual."

In the meantime, Algonquin police said they have plans in place if a strike occurs at the district's offices and Square Barn campus in the village.

Burkey, who observed several classes Monday, said the possibility of a strike didn't affect classroom instruction.

"I think our teachers have been very professional," Burkey said. "They're teaching kids with the same enthusiasm they always have."

School officials said first-day transportation issues were minimal throughout the district.

"Transportation has continued to improve," said Jim Stotz, principal of Heineman Middle School. "There were absolutely no problems."