The District 153 school board and the Homewood Education Association, representing teachers in the district, have reached agreement on a two-year contract.
The union represents about 180 certified teachers and 120 non-certified personnel. The agreement extends to June 2024.
The union had approved the agreement prior to the board approving the contract at its June 13 meeting, according to Superintendent Scott McAlister. The overall wage increase is 3.9%, although some non-certified categories received a higher increase to keep salaries competitive.
In 2017, the district and HEA agreed to new language that gave teachers a salary schedule similar to what was used in other districts. It provides a teacher with a yearly increase over the previous year — this year 1.4% — and an earnings increase based on education level and years of service
— this year 2.5%, McAlister explained.
Included among contract language changes was a parental leave benefit. This may be the first contract in the state to give staff a paid six-week parental leave benefit.
“It’s certainly new to us,” McAlister said. Prior to the agreement, teachers, both male and female, would be eligible for 12 weeks parental leave, but they would use sick leave and take the rest of the time under Family and Medical Leave Act benefits.