Spirits were high at Thursday’s High School District 230 meeting as board members celebrated reaching a contract agreement with its teachers union and approved their Vision 2030 resolution.
But when it came time to approve next year’s academic calendar, members were divided in their support for a proposal that schedules final exams at Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew high schools on dates that coincide with major Islamic holidays.
Teachers’ contract
Nine months of negotiations and federal mediation preceded the new teachers contract agreement, which was approved at a special meeting Jan. 21. Adam Zmuda,vice president of the District 230 Teachers’ Association, expressed his appreciation Thursday of the agreement that includes 19.5% in increased salary costs.
“Our teachers take this community investment and resources very seriously,” said Zmuda, who said he will lead the teachers’ union next year. He said he looks forward to maintaining “honest, respectful and professional dialogue” with the board.
“Don’t ever let anyone convince you that placing resources in those who work in this district is a bad investment,” Zmuda said.
The district was unable to provide the overall cost of the contract, but under the new contract the starting salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree is just under $58,000, about 4.5% higher than last year’s starting salary.
Teachers typically receive increases for years served as well as additional education, such as earning advanced degrees. According to Illinois School Report Card information, the average teacher salary in District 230 in 2024 was $97,625.
Calendar debate
The board also considered the upcoming academic calendar, which schedules spring 2026 final exams at the same time as a major Islamic holiday. Mohammed Jaber, who was elected to the board in 2023, said the schedule, if left unchanged, would make life more difficult for Muslim students.
“We’re giving students a choice — choose a final or the holiday to celebrate with family and loved ones,” Jaber said.
Jaber asked the board to take more time to look at other dates to schedule finals, but the calendar was ultimately approved as proposed, with board President Lynn Zeder saying it had been tabled once already.
Zeder said District 230 must pass the calendar this month so feeder districts can in turn set their calendars for the upcoming school year.
“The administration will work with families to make sure there are adequate plans that are meeting the needs of all families,” Zeder said.
Jaber remained unconvinced, delivering the sole no vote on the calendar.
“These are constituents and taxpayers, and are large taxpayers,” Jaber said. “Many of these students take finals seriously. They’re going to have anxiety. They’re going to have stress.”
The next District 230 Board meeting is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Victor Andrew High School, 9001 West 171st St., Tinley Park.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
