New three-year contract for Grant High teachers
Grant High School teachers, board members, and administrators have approved a new three-year teachers contract, officials said.
Christine Sefcik, superintendent of Grant Community High School District 124 in Fox Lake, said the deal includes a 6 percent salary increase over the life of the contract, which expires in 2019. There is also extra duty pay and professional expense reimbursements of up to 3 percent annually, Sefcik said.
There were no changes to health contributions and hours were not increased, she added.
"This contract reflects the respect we have for Grant teachers and the great work that they do, while also remaining fiscally responsible to District 124 taxpayers," Sefcik said.
The school board approved the contract Aug. 18. Lake County Federation of Teachers Local 504 ratified the contract Aug. 22.
Sefcik said negotiations took place during a six-month period and were completed well in advance of the expiration later this year of the current three-year contract.
The most notable change involved pay. The average annual increases were 1.5 percent to 3.8 percent, depending on longevity and salary schedules, she said.
The salary structure also was changed for teachers with 10 to 20 years of experience, and those with more than 20 years of experience who are nearing retirement.
She said bargaining was "very amicable and professional."
"It did take some time to come to a compromise on various salary provisions within the contract," Sefcik said. "The outcome of those discussions is a contract that is beneficial for teachers and the community."