D303 Approves New Contract For Bus Drivers, Support Staff

ST. CHARLES, IL — The Community Unit School District 303 Board recently approved new contracts with the St. Charles Transportation and Maintenance Association and the St. Charles Educational Support Professionals unions during a special board meeting.

The contracts, which were ratified by members from both unions this week, go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year. Under the four-year Transportation and Maintenance contract, bus drivers are now guaranteed six work hours per day, making them eligible for health benefits, according to a news release.

“We are pleased to offer this incentive to help attract and retain quality drivers,” said District 303 Board President Heidi Fairgrieve. “Amid a national bus driver shortage, it was important during the negotiations process that we identify ways to increase the number of drivers in our District. With more drivers, we will strengthen service to students and families through route efficiency and transportation flexibility.”

The district and SCTM agreed to increase compensation each year of the contract, starting with $2 per hour in year one, followed by increases of $1.50, $1.25 and $1 in each following year of the contract, according to the news release.

Additionally, the contract adds a longevity payment benefit for SCTM employees. Under the three-year Educational Support Professionals contract, the district and SCESP agreed to increase compensation annually.

In year one of the contract, increases for SCESP employees would total 4.75 percent. Increases would total 3.75 percent in year two and 3.25 percent in year three. Additionally, off-schedule employees will receive the same increase each year plus an additional 1 percent.

“I’d like to thank the members of our negotiations committees for their time and efforts in finalizing these contracts,” said Marci Conlin, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administrative Services. “With the approval of our teachers union contract in May, we are pleased to have new agreements and stronger support systems in place for employees in all three of our unions for years to come.” The contracts are available on the District’s Human Resources webpage.