District 87, teachers OK 3-year contract extension
Glenbard High School District 87 has approved a three-year contract extension with its teachers union that will tie salary increases to the rate of inflation in the final two years of the pact.
The Glenbard Education Association, the union that represents 567 licensed employees, ratified the agreement Feb. 9. The school board on Tuesday signed off on the deal that extends the contract through June 30, 2020.
The first year of the agreement provides a 1 percent base salary increase and an additional, one-time stipend that raises pay by 1.5 percent. First-year employees will make $52,358, up from $51,840.
The increases are expected to cost the district $1,185,466 in the first year.
Union members also will receive annual base salary increases based on the Consumer Price Index in each of the final two years of the extended agreement.
The contract allows the district to automatically freeze pay increases for licensed employees if state lawmakers freeze what governments can collect in property taxes.
Negotiating teams for the district and union began talks about a possible contract extension in November. The most-recent pact was due to expire June 30. The association represents teachers, department heads, counselors, nurses, school social workers and psychologists.
Josh Chambers, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the contract provides "financial security" and safeguards for the district amid uncertainty with the state's budget impasse.
"The process of negotiating the three-year agreement was incredibly collaborative and the finished product is indicative of this teamwork," association President Kevin Sutton said in a statement. "It was important for both sides to negotiate an agreement that ensures the district remains on firm financial footing while rewarding our educators for their hard work and dedication to the students of Glenbard District 87."
The district serves roughly 8,100 students who are taught in four high schools in Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn and Lombard.