The press release at the bottom was issued by Huntley School District 158’s Board of Education tonight. I got it at 7.
Earlier, the School Board announced the following shortly after 6 PM:
Date: September 14, 2008 [6PM]
From: Superintendent, Dr. John D. Burkey
Re: Negotiations
This is the 6:00 p.m. update regarding negotiations that we earlier informed you that you would be receiving. Since Friday evening, we have been meeting over 28 hours and continue to negotiate. Unfortunately, we cannot give an answer about the status of school tomorrow at this time. You will receive another instant alert by 9 p.m. tonight. In the meantime, check the school district web site for further updates and information.
Here’s the next press release:
Date: September 14, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
From: Board of Education – Consolidated School District 158
Re: Negotiations
On the eve of a threatened teachers’ strike, Consolidated School District 158’s Board of Education believes it is important for the public to know just how much has been accomplished in an attempt to avert a strike. Since the end of the regular work day on September 12, the Board and Huntley Education Association (HEA) have met for over 30 hours. Tentative agreements have been reached regarding 47 out of the 59 issues in the teachers’ contract, with substantial progress made on most others.
The Board has also compromised significantly on a number of major issues of importance to teachers. Five of those issues are:
Supervision— There is a Tentative Agreement to go back to the status quo on Supervision coverage and pay. Teachers who do bus duty will not suffer a loss in pay.
Insurance—There is a Tentative Agreement on insurance with family coverage increasing over 10% increase in the first year; with a more than 5.5 % increase in remaining years.
CPI— The Board has moved towards fixed percentages in salary schedule and both sides have agreed to form a compensation committee in the near future.
Salary Schedule —- The Board has agreed to use the previous contract salary schedule structure. The Board has also agreed to the HEA’s request to make the salary schedule increases more equitable among their members.
Off Schedule Teachers— The Board has proposed increasing the compensation percentage for off schedule teachers.
Planning time Language — The Board has agreed to add language to formalize the status quo on the middle school and high school planning time. Planning time will not be reduced.
In light of this progress, it is the Board’s fervent hope, on behalf of the children it serves, that the union leadership will not act on its strike threat and, instead, will continue to negotiate. Board members remain prepared to spend whatever time it takes to resolve all outstanding issues.