Dist. 116 board to vote Monday on new deal with teachers union

The Round Lake Unit District 116 teachers union approved a tentative four-year contract Thursday.

It calls for raises averaging 3.75% for the first year of the contract, with the inclusion of step increases for teachers. The remaining three years of the contract will be negotiated by March 2022. According to Illinois Report Card data, the average 2020 salary for teachers in the district is $69,620.

The Education Association of Round Lake has 950 members, including teachers, aides, bus drivers, custodians, health services, maintenance, mechanics and secretaries.

District 116 Superintendent Donn Mendoza spoke positively of the process. "I'm actually very proud of how we handled this," he said. "We were very collaborative throughout the entire process and it's something I think that the entire community will benefit from."

The district's director of engagement, Heather Bennett, said in a statement: "The board, district administrators and EARL leadership look forward to working together to maintain and enhance the quality of education and fiscal stability of the school district for the benefit of our students, staff and community."

Union President Krissi Gatlin said the relationship between the school and union makes it easier to reach consensus, with the board and union unanimously agreeing to the contract terms.

The board will vote on the contract Monday. If approved, it will go into effect July 1.