Photo courtesy of Mt. Prospect Education Association #57
The community came out Jan. 25 to speak during the Board of Education meeting. It was standing room only.

By Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

MOUNT PROSPECT — Instead of striking Feb. 11, as was previously planned, members of Mount Prospect Education Association (MPEA) 57 instead announced it had reached a tentative agreement with the Disrict 57 Board of Education (BOE).

In a released joint statement, both parties indicated they met the evening of Feb. 10 for almost seven hour.

“Details will be released after both parties have ratified the agreement. The contract reflects a compromise by both sides and a win for the entire district,” the statement read.

Both parties acknowledged the help of mediation assistance of FMCS Commissioner Jerry Hughes.
The union said its membership will meet Feb. 13 after school to take a vote. The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Feb. 20.

The BOE had previously emailed parents indicating D57 teachers have been offered a 4 percent raise for four years, yet neglected to mention the BOE also proposed a cancellation of contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Teachers are not eligible for Social Security, a benefit which has been included in recent contracts.

The TRS requirement is more than 8 percent. If the BOE canceled the contribution, then awarded a 4 percent pay increase — the net effect was actually less take home pay and an increased tax burden for teachers.

Teachers also wanted to negotiate contract language addressing changes in teacher evaluation mandated by the State of Illinois (PERA). Under state law, it is permissible to negotiate how these changes will be implemented in each district. Teachers wanted procedures and policies that are clearly stated.