District 47 School Board OKs Raises for Teachers Under New Contract

The District 47 School Board approved a four-year contract with its teachers union Tuesday night.

The tentative agreement was ratified by members of the unions Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association, on January 12. The school board approved the contract in a 7-0 vote of 7-0.

Discussions leading to the new contract were held throughout 2016 between members of the Board, District administration and representatives from CLETA. In a break from past contracts, the negotiated agreement covers a four-year period, beginning retroactively to August 2016 and concluding in August 2020, according to a District 47 news release. Previous contracts spanned a three-year period.

Highlights of contract changes include a 3.75 percent increase to total salary dollars each year; changes to insurance and retirement benefits; and commitments between the Board, administration and CLETA to establish committees to implement changes in the delivery of professional development and review planning time for educators.

"We are pleased to conclude the negotiations successfully with CLETA. Throughout the process, there has been open discussion pertaining to improving the delivery of education services for the students in District 47, and the dialogue will continue," said Board President Jeff Mason. "This contract keeps us competitive with the local market for educational professionals, so we can continue to attract and retain the very best teachers for our students and our community."

“The Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association is proud of our members for their patience and professionalism during the negotiation process,” said CLETA Co-President Kristin Leidy-Semprit.

“Throughout the many months of negotiations, both sides remained focused on fiscal responsibility and the welfare of students and teachers.” Co-President Heidi Marchetti added, “We take pride in our collaboration with District 47 administration and the association looks forward to a continued partnership in making District 47 a great place to work and learn.”