New four-year teachers pact in District 207

A new four-year teachers contract went into effect Wednesday in Maine Township High School District 207.

The agreement, ratified by members of the Maine Teachers Association and unanimously approved by the school board June 25, calls for a cost-of-living freeze in the event of any state legislation beyond 2022 that could affect district revenue, district officials said in an announcement Wednesday.

The pact also gives teachers more pay for teaching a sixth assignment, and it provides expanded job-share opportunities to help with child-care or family-care issues, according to a news release.

Extracurricular stipends are scheduled to go up starting with the 2021-22 school year, and student club sponsors who previously took on those duties for free will also have the ability to receive compensation, officials said.

Out-of-pocket costs for insurance are going down, while teacher assistants who handle personal student care and transportation are also expected to receive pay bumps.

The contract calls for the formation of the Innovation and Implementation of New Initiatives Committee and a Learning Environment Task Force to help facilitate collaboration between teachers and the board.

“We are all committed to cultivating the best possible learning environment for the students of our community,” union President Julia Heyden said. “Everyone involved in this process has unique and critical roles to play. As the realm of education evolves and progresses, so should our dedication to collective efficacy fuel a like response in collaboration and communication. We believe the terms of the new contract were crafted to support this goal.”

The contract runs through June 30, 2024. District officials said details are still being finalized and would be posted on the district website soon.

“The entire board is impressed with and proud of both the board team and the Teachers Association for their collaborative and respectful bargaining to reach a win/win contract for the teachers, as well as the students and taxpayers,” board President Paula Besler said. “We look forward to a continued collective focus on collaboration and innovative learning, especially in these unprecedented times.”