District 75 reporting tentative agreement on 3-year teachers contract

Mundelein Elementary School District 75 administrators and teachers have reached a tentative contract agreement, officials announced Thursday.

A deal for a three-year contract was reached about 12:45 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the district. Terms won't be released until after both sides vote, officials said.

The progress on the deal avoids a potential teachers strike.

"When this reaches its conclusion, the fine educators in this district will be most happy that they can give their full attention to what is most important to them, and that is teaching the children of this community," said union representative Nick Ciko, a science teacher at Sandburg Middle School.

Last month, the 144-member Mundelein Elementary Education Association overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. But neither side formally declared an impasse, a step that is needed before a walkout can occur.

Teachers said they have been among the lowest paid and are seeking a three-year contract and raises.

Teacher turnover has been a concern, too.

Additionally, teachers were critical of a 40-percent increase in administrative salaries. In response, district officials said that line-item increased because former Superintendent Cynthia Heidorn's salary was on the books through September and a business manager was hired.

Negotiations for a new pact began early this year and were referred to a federal mediator in June. An estimated 13 sessions in all have been held.

The teachers have been working without a contract since July 1.

Waukegan Unit District 60 teachers have been on strike since Oct. 2.