Nearly 400 High School District 230 teachers showed up to Thursday’s School Board meeting to express frustration with delays reaching an agreement with the teacher’s union on a contract.
The sea of teachers, wearing blue, sat through the two-hour long meeting, as board members passed insurance rate increases and a nearly 5% taxpayer levy.
“We have worked 52 days without a contract,” said Michelle Etchason, president of the District 230 Teachers Association. “We deserve better. It’s time to get this contract settled.”
The district is made up of Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Sandburg High School in Orland Park and Stagg High School in Palos Hills.
Etchason declined to comment on negotiations, saying she hoped an agreement will be reached at the next mediation session on Nov. 11. If the school and the union fail to compromise during three mediation sessions, the teachers’ union could take steps to go on strike.
District 230 communications director Jennifer Waterman said board members are optimistic about reaching an agreement with the union.
“They are committed to continuing good faith bargaining efforts, listening and reaching a fair contract for staff while upholding the fiduciary responsibility of the board to its taxpayers, all while focusing on long-term financial sustainability in an environment that poses incredible challenges for school financing within Illinois,” Waterman said.
Financing challenges led the board to pass a nearly 5% increased levy, expected to raise $142.7 million for numerous district operations. According to the board, 80% of all funding for the district comes from property taxes.
The board also approved a smaller, supplemental levy to pay principal and interest on the district’s outstanding bonds, and approved a steep increase in medical plans for district employees. An overall 21% cost increase means premiums will go up 4% for employees’ dental plans and between 11% and 28% for medical plans.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
