More Sick Days, 6 Percent Annual Salary Bump: D146 Board Approves New Contract For Teachers

TINLEY PARK, IL — A new contract for District 146 teachers is finally official, with the district's Board of Education's approval Tuesday.

The board's unanimous vote to approve the contract follows the teachers' union ratification of it earlier this month. The contract will continue through the 2029–2030 school year.

"With teacher contract negotiations settled, District 146 is moving forward with optimism,” said Board President Julie Berry. “While negotiations can be challenging, they reflect the deep commitment we all share to our schools, our students, and our community. Together, we look ahead with continued dedication to providing the highest quality education and environment for the students of District 146."

Earlier this month, approximately 70 percent of union members voted in favor of the contract.

Terms of the contract include annual salary increases of 6 percent for five years and 14 sick days per year, increased from 12. An additional bereavement day is also included, up from two to three per occurrence.

Also included:

• Life insurance equal to a teacher’s annual salary, previously capped at $20,000
• $2,000 annually in lieu of medical insurance
• $100 per sick day buyback at retirement, increased from $50
• Expansion of the District’s retirement incentive for teachers

Finalization of the contract quells tension between the Tinley Council of Local 604, IFT/AFT and district administration.

Frustrated by months of ongoing negotiations, last month nearly all — 99 percent — of the district's teachers had voted to strike if an agreement couldn't be reached. The community rallied behind the teachers, calling on district administrators to make a deal happen. The previous contract had expired July 31.

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• D146 Teachers Vote To Strike If No Contract Deal Reached: IL Federation Of Teachers

The negotiations had been ongoing since February, with compensation and retirement benefits at the crux of bargaining issues, the Illinois Federation of Teachers previously said.

As threat of a strike loomed, the parties reached a tentative agreement Sept. 17. The union ratified it on Oct. 1.

"When we started this bargaining process, we knew that teacher recruitment and retention had to be a main focus in order to best serve the students in District 146," the union said in a statement after the vote to ratify. "This agreement is a strong step towards that goal. By removing a limit on when educators must retire, and by bringing compensation closer to neighboring district standards, our district can better compete for teachers looking for jobs and ensure teachers who work here want to stay and build their career in our community."

The District continued to honor the previous contract while bargaining progressed, officials said. Teachers will receive retroactive pay reflecting the new salary terms.

“Our top priority is to maintain an outstanding learning environment for our students,” said Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent. “We look forward to moving ahead collaboratively as one district community.”

Community Consolidated School District 146 includes Central Middle School, Fierke Education Center, Fulton School, Kruse Education Center, and Memorial School. Students from Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest attend District 146 schools.