D202 Board, Teacher Union Ink New 3-Year Deal

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Community School District 202 Board of Education and the Association of Plainfield Teachers union have agreed on a new three-year deal with raises, officials said.

APT represents more than 2,000 teachers and other staff, including social workers and school psychologists. Members of the union "voted overwhelmingly" to ratify the deal on March 6, Director of Community Relations Linda Taylor said in a news release. The Board of Education approved it at a special meeting March 11.

The plan includes differentiated raises that ensure employees have a wage that makes District 202 competitive to help retain current and recruit future employees. The agreement was based on a benchmarking study that included 18 school districts and made an effort to be competitive in the marketplace, officials said.

The Board approved a "significant market adjustment" in the contract's first year and tied future raises to the consumer price index.

"This contract marks a significant milestone for District 202," Superintendent Glenn Wood said in a statement. "By prioritizing fair compensation and sustainable financial practices, we are strategically positioned to meet the ever-evolving needs of our students and community."

Steve Jepsen, APT president, said the contract "was a win for both sides."

"Other districts should take note of the great working relationship we have with each other and see that it does not have to be adversarial for each party to get what they need," Jepsen said.

The Board of Education and the Plainfield Association of Support Staff approved a three-year deal with salary increases in May 2024.