Tag: naperville teachers strike

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — The Naperville 203 Board of Education and the Naperville Unit Education Association reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, officials said Friday.

This avoids a strike, and classes will not be disrupted, officials said.

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“Our priority has always been to provide students with the high-quality education they deserve, and this agreement helps us continue that work,” said Charles Cush, president of the Board of Education. “This reflects our dedication to ensuring Naperville 203 remains an exemplary school district for students and educators.”

The details of the agreement will be presented to the respective parties for consideration and a vote, officials said.

SEE ALSO | Naperville Community Unit District 203 students return to school as possible teacher strike looms

“We are so incredibly grateful to our students, families and the entire community for all their support during this difficult time. We could not have done this without you,” NUEA President Ross Berkley said. “We are proud to say we’ve reached a tentative agreement that values our students and our educators. One that will continue to meet the high standard for excellence that we have here in District 203.”

Prior to the agreement, a strike was possible as soon as Tuesday.

Teachers went back to work earlier this month without a contract after months of contract talks.

Berkeley said the last time Naperville teachers actually hit the picket lines was back in the early 90s for just a few days.

The main contention point had been teacher compensation.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Naperville teachers have announced a strike date for next week as contract negotiations with Naperville School District 203 stalled this week.

The teachers plan to go on strike Tuesday, August 26, the Naperville Unit Education Association said.

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“We have always said a strike is our last resort. However, after months of bargaining, overwhelming community support and the board’s refusal to make meaningful progress, we have reached a point where we may have no other choice. As a result, we have set our official strike date,” a statement from NUEA President Ross Berkley read in part.

Contract negotiations with a federal mediator resumed Tuesday.

The district says it’s fully committed to reaching a fair, fiscally responsible solution that focuses on keeping students in school.

“Our top priority remains our students and keeping them in classrooms,” said Charles Cush, President of the Board of Education. “We are committed to moving forward together. The strength of our district has always come from the unity between our educators and our community, and we are dedicated to preserving that.”

The next federally-mediated negotiating session is set for Friday.

Educators rallied outside Naperville Central High School Monday ahead of a District 203 School Board meeting.

SEE ALSO | Naperville Community Unit District 203 students return to school as possible teacher strike looms

The district and union have been bargaining since February.

Last week, teachers voted to authorize the ability to strike.

What continues to be debated by the union and district are teacher compensation and proposed school day change.