District 214 approves new five-year deal with teachers

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 has inked a new five-year agreement with teachers that provides 2% raises in the first two years and lesser pay increases for the remainder of the contract.

Though the contract hasn't yet been released, district officials announced this week it earned the vote of 97 percent of the 849-member District 214 Education Association - and a unanimous vote by the school board after a closed session last Thursday.

The contract calls for wage increases of 2% each in the first and second years, 1.75% in the third year, and 1.5% each in the fourth and fifth years.

Language was added to ensure collaboration between the union and school board to contain insurance costs, according to a district news release.

The deal, which covers teachers, school counselors, nurses and specialists, will take effect July 1 and run through June 30, 2024.

District officials described the negotiation process as positive and collaborative.

"This contract recognizes our commitment to students and is also fiscally responsible," said Dan Petro, the school board president, in a statement.

"We are thankful for the time both sides put in to achieve this contract through collaboration and respect."

Added Tim Waters, the union president, "The collaboration was fantastic. It was extremely important to me and the EA team that we were representing fully all of our members and making sure that we were looking out for our professional interests and ultimately the interests of our students and community. I think we are going to be able to move forward together strongly as a district and as an association."

District 214, the largest high school district in Illinois, includes Buffalo Grove. Elk Grove, John Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling high schools, as well as four specialized learning programs.