Dist. 200 approves raises for classified employees

More than 500 Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 employees will be getting a 1.5 percent salary increase this school year after the school board approved a three-year contract with its Classified Employees Association.

According to district officials, the agreement eliminates the existing, traditional salary schedule. Salary increases now will be tied to the consumer price index, or CPI. The 1.5 percent increase for this year is based off the 2013 CPI.

The association represents support staff in the district, including teaching assistants, secretaries, custodians and maintenance employees.

Robert Rammer, assistant superintendent for administrative services, commended the association for its "conscientious and collaborative and cooperative" work on the agreement.

"The association and the district realized the traditional salary schedule is pretty much obsolete and this schedule provides a much more candid and upfront representation for staff in terms of salary increases," he said.

Although the CPI can range from 0 to 5, the agreement states that the raises in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years will not be less than 1.5 percent and not exceed 3 percent.

"This is a respective midrange to keep these employees' salaries in line with the cost of living," Rammer said.

Any classified employee who retires with at least 15 years of service will receive a one-time, post-employment compensation payment of $400, plus $50 per year for service beyond 15 years. The maximum payment is $750.

Classified Employees Association President Penny Coyle said in a statement that she believes the agreement is fair to the employees it represents, the district and the community.

"I am proud that our members are willing to do their part to ensure the district's financial health. This agreement shows once again that a mutually satisfactory agreement can only be reached through collaboration and good faith," she said.

Board President Barbara Intihar thanked everyone who worked on the contract and said she hopes it reflects how much the district values its classified employees.

"It's always tough to do a negotiation like this because you're trying to help the people you represent and you have their best interest at heart and we only have as much money as we have to help out," she said. "We do appreciate all you do for us and we know very well we wouldn't run smoothly without you."