District 113 Board, Teachers Agree on Salary Plan

Last week, District 113 and the District Education Association agreed to a two-year salary deal that will freeze the current salary schedule the first year and increase it by .85 percent the second.

According to a press release issued by District 113 last week, compensation increases will be limited in the first year to step and lane changes, which refers to experience increases and new credentials. Step and lane changes will be honored in the second year of agreement, which extends through the 2013-2014 school year.

"Our staff members are keenly aware of the economic challenges faced by schools and communities and agreed to a package that is respectful of taxpayers," Superintendent George Fornero said in the release. "I am proud of our ability to manage challenging times with a shared interest in promoting financial stability."

Unlike other school districts, District 113 does not have a union. Representatives elected by the district's teachers instead meet with the administration to make decisions on topics like compensation. 

"Staff members are elected by peers and volunteer incredible amounts of time to work collaboratively with the administration," said Deerfield High School teacher and District Education Association president Marty Esgar in the release.

The compensation agreement comes on the heels of another agreement for a second salary schedule for newly hired teachers, according to the release. District 113's financial ranking will remain at Aaa, the highest rating given by Moody's Investor Services.

"Because of collaborative long-range financial planning and cost containment, we will enter the 2013 school year without layoffs or modifying class size," Fornero said.