District 204 Has Proposed $1.50 Per Hour Pay Increase For 2025-2026 School Year: Administration

JOLIET, IL — Two days after Joliet Township High School staff held a large demonstration outside Joliet West, protesting their contract negotiations, the upper administration has issued a statement responding to the plight of the Joliet Township Paraprofessional Council, American Federation of Teachers Local 604. The union represents 110 paraprofessionals and security staff who serve the Joliet Township High School students.

"We remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached through continued good faith negotiations," announced director of community & alumni relations Kristine Schlismann.

Schlismann's press release pointed out that "the only remaining item under discussion is salary. The district has proposed a $1.50 per hour pay increase for the 2025-2026 school year, followed by 3.5 percent raises for both the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years.

"Under this most recent offer, every paraprofessional would see salary increases of at least 20 percent over the next three years, with some paraprofessionals receiving salary increases approaching 25 percent over the next three years."

Schlismann's statement indicated "the union’s proposal includes a $4 salary increase, followed by a 3.5 percent increase for the 2026-2027 school year and a 3.25 percent increase for the 2027-2028 school year. Under the union’s proposal, the first year alone would cost the district $801,614, reflecting an average increase of 20.38 percent per member including step movement.

"Over the three-year period, the average paraprofessional would receive total increases of 31.24 percent, which equates to an average annual increase of 10.14 percent. Both the district and the union are working diligently to find common ground on this important issue.

"The district recognizes the critical role our paraprofessionals and security staff play in our schools and is committed to offering competitive compensation that reflects their value while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers. Our current salary structure provides competitive wages with step increases based on experience and educational credentials, ranging from entry-level positions to employees with 30-plus years of service. We are carefully reviewing proposals to ensure any agreement is sustainable and fair to both our employees and our community."