Valley View Teachers Show Solidarity With Association Of Plainfield Teachers

PLAINFIELD, IL — Last week, members of the Association of Plainfield Teachers voted overwhelmingly to reject a proposed three-year contract — with only a one-year commitment on salary and retirement benefits from District 202. Now, as they prepare for their own contract negotiations, teachers in nearby Valley View School District are showing their solidarity.

Claudine Sharko, president of Valley View Council 604, said VVSD teachers began wearing blue — their signature color — on Friday in support of Plainfield teachers.

"They are (Illinois Education Association) and we are (Illinois Federation of Teachers); however, we are also starting negotiations in our district," Sharko said.

'"I understand how difficult emotional and intense the process can be so we're just trying to throw them our support in their process," she added. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

APT has disputed District 202's assertion that the proposed contract contained a 4 percent raise for the average teacher, saying it's closer to 2.5 percent "plus a one-time monetary offer of $250 for part-time teachers or a $500 for full-time teachers." APT president Dawn Bullock added, "This additional 'signing bonus' does not compound nor does it equate to a 4% raise on our schedule."

Under the rejected pact, Bullock said about 46 of Plainfield's 1,800 teachers would get a raise of 4 percent or more. Previously, District 202 Board President Greg Nichols had said around 80 percent of teachers would receive a 4 percent raise.

"The salary offer by the Board would have placed only .25% new money onto the teacher’s salary schedule," Bullock said in a statement last week.

APT on Thursday said it had not taken a strike vote and had reached out to the board to continue negotiations.

More from Patch: Teachers Reject District 202 Contract, Dispute 4 Percent Raise Claims