Kaneland support staff union, school board agree on new contract

Kaneland Unit District 302 board members voted Monday to approve a five-year contract with the union representing the district's support staff.

Support staff receive a 7% pay increase in the first year, and starting pay for new hires in all job categories will rise, according to a news release.

Employees will receive one-time hourly wage adjustments based on years with the district. The contract also includes pay rate increases of 6.5% in year two, 6% in year three and 5% in years four and five.

Employee health insurance premiums will decrease. And for employees who choose dependent coverage in future open enrollment cycles, the their portion of the premium will drop by 5% in each year of the contract.

"I wanted to take a moment to thank the board of education and Kaneland administration for their collaboration," said Sue Sensor, president of the Support Professionals' Education Association of Kaneland after the vote. "We feel that the changes to this contract will help retain our current staff, as well as attract new support employees."

The contract was ratified by 100% of present union members on Aug. 15.

The union represents a range of support staff, including secretarial workers, nurses, security and teaching assistants.

The district hopes the contract will help it stay competitive when hiring, the news release stated.

"We are excited to continue our work within the schools," Sensor said.