District 155 board approves new teachers contract

The Crystal Lake High School District 155 school board Thursday approved a new three-year teachers contract representing a 12 percent overall increase to salaries and benefits over three years.

Negotiations have been ongoing since August between the district and its teachers union.

The new agreement provides an average increase in base salaries of 1.5 percent in each of the three years, with corresponding annual step increases of 3.87 percent, 3.86 percent, and 3.87 percent. Step increases are based on experience. The contract will run from July 1 through to June 30, 2022.

"This has been a collaborative process between the board and representatives with our education association. We believe we have reached an agreement that allows us to retain and recruit high quality teachers while being mindful of our taxpayers," school board President Adam Guss said.

The D155 Education Association ratified the agreement Jan. 18. Changes in the new contract include:

•Elimination of mandatory union dues in keeping with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

•Increase in the stipend for traveling teachers who teach 30 periods weekly and have more than three course preparations from $500 per semester to $1,500 per semester.

•Post master's degree college credit reimbursement to a maximum of 15 graduate credits annually in high-needs areas as directed and approved by the district.

•Teachers are eligible to receive course reimbursement of $350 per credit hour for approved masters programs after completion of two full years of teaching.

•Salary caps at 3 percent annually for teachers within four years of eligibility for retirement.

•A retirement "pipeline" providing 3 percent annual increases for four consecutive years for teachers who submit an irrevocable intent to retire letter.

•Creation of a joint salary schedule committee to study alternative methods for teacher compensation.

"The feedback we received during our strategic planning process this fall from more than 4,600 students and parents highlighted the quality education we offer in District 155 and emphasized our caring, dedicated faculty and staff," Superintendent Steve Olson said. "This agreement honors what we value as a community while continuing to be fiscally responsible."