Union support ‘defining moment’ to resolving Round Lake District 116 budget issue

A “critical partnership” finalized this past week between Round Lake Area Unit District 116 and the union representing teachers and others will help resolve an $11 million budget gap and preserve student programming.

With 88% support, the Education Association of Round Lake overwhelmingly agreed to reduced salary increases over the next two years. Rather than receiving the contracted 5.5% pay bump union members agreed to take a 2.5% increase.

The 923-member union represents teachers, teacher assistants, related services, secretaries, technology, custodians, maintenance, grounds, bus drivers and mechanics.

“This decision was not easy and I know the sacrifice is real,” union president Krissi Gatlin said in a statement announcing the action.

Gatlin said the union valued the collaborative approach taken by Superintendent Donn Mendoza.

“While this moment has tested all of us, it also reaffirmed that when we work in partnership, we can protect both the financial stability of our district and the educational opportunities our students deserve,” she added.

Mendoza also voluntarily agreed to take a commensurate reduction in his contracted $265,355 salary.

Mendoza described the union vote Wednesday as a “defining moment” for the district, which has about 6,090 students — the vast majority classified as low-income — in nine schools.

“With overwhelming support, our staff banded together — not only for one another, but for the students and families we serve,” Mendoza said in a statement announcing the crucial union vote.

“I want to acknowledge the very real personal impact this has on our staff and their families and to extend my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary way they have stepped forward in support of our students,” he added.

An agreement commits the district to repaying the dollars — effectively lent by the staff — as future budget surpluses allow. There is no end date on the agreement meaning union members ultimately will be made whole, according to the district.

Money was never missing, the district has emphasized, but the recently discovered $11 million deficit “stemmed from errors under the oversight of a former employee,” Mendoza said.

“I am committed to ensuring a full financial recovery and rebuilding the trust that was shaken,” Mendoza said.

The budgeting error has led to stronger financial forecasting and monitoring tools, according to the district.

Other cost-saving measures taken or planned include the elimination of eight administrator positions effective for the 2026-27 school year; elimination of vacant positions that don't impact students; pause on non-grant funded professional development for staff; overtime limitations; and 10% reduction in discretionary funds for departments and schools.

A community town hall will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the John T. Magee Middle School cafeteria, 500 N. Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake.