The Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) has ratified the tentative agreement on a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. Employees and students will return to school on Monday, September 28, 2015.
The District 23 Board of Education will meet on Tuesday evening, September 29, to vote on the new contract. If the Board ratifies the agreement, the District and PHEA will release a joint statement containing details on the new four-year agreement.
The District 23 Board of Education will meet on Tuesday evening, September 29, to vote on the new contract. If the Board ratifies the agreement, the District and PHEA will release a joint statement containing details on the new four-year agreement.
Joint Press Release
Prospect Heights District 23
Prospect Heights Education Association
September 26, 2015 at 6:30 a.m.
D23 SCHOOL BOARD AND PHEA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
The Board of Education of Prospect Heights District 23 and the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement on a new four year collective bargaining agreement has been reached by both parties.
The PHEA will meet on Sunday, September 27, to vote on the new contract. The Board plans to meet on Tuesday evening, September 29, to vote.
If PHEA ratifies the contract, employees and students will return to school on Monday, September 28, 2015.
Prospect Heights District 23
Prospect Heights Education Association
September 26, 2015 at 6:30 a.m.
D23 SCHOOL BOARD AND PHEA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
The Board of Education of Prospect Heights District 23 and the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement on a new four year collective bargaining agreement has been reached by both parties.
The PHEA will meet on Sunday, September 27, to vote on the new contract. The Board plans to meet on Tuesday evening, September 29, to vote.
If PHEA ratifies the contract, employees and students will return to school on Monday, September 28, 2015.
September 25, 2015
On Thursday, the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) negotiations team made a new and significantly reduced proposal to the board of education. The school board rejected the proposal and re-proposed with no changes what it calls its last and final offer. Negotiations concluded at 9:34 PM.
Last night the PHEA worked hard to come up with a new and reduced proposal that would move these negotiations to a conclusion by closing the financial gap. But the board of education rejected the offer and failed to offer any counterproposal or new ideas to get the process moving.
We are more than disappointed that the school board did not take the opportunity to get the parties closer to an agreement. It takes two sides to work through this problem and bring the strike to an end. We are doing our part. The school board is not. The Board continues to use a positional approach resulting in no changes to their proposal.
As teachers, we fully understand how difficult this situation has been for the entire community. It’s been very difficult for all of us as well. No one wants a strike. What we really want is to be back in the classrooms, providing the great education to our students that they and the community have come to expect and deserve.
The school board is failing to address the problem we have with teachers being required to leave their classrooms in order to do committee work. Yes, working together in committees is important, but a great deal of it could be done after school in order to keep classrooms in session. Removing teachers from their classrooms can be very disruptive to student learning and classroom continuity.
But we must have fairness. We know we will never earn the kinds of salaries that are paid in neighboring districts. We haven’t asked for that. But we do expect to be treated as professionals. That is not too much to ask. PHEA is looking to bridge the gap between surrounding districts.
Finally, a professional salary schedule is important to us as teachers because it is the standard in the industry.
We reiterate that we are willing and ready to meet and negotiate at any time to get this difficult situation resolved. As we have stated before, if it would help the process, we would be willing to negotiate in public. We want to put this behind us and get children back in their classrooms. We invite the school board to join us in that effort.
On Thursday, the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) negotiations team made a new and significantly reduced proposal to the board of education. The school board rejected the proposal and re-proposed with no changes what it calls its last and final offer. Negotiations concluded at 9:34 PM.
Last night the PHEA worked hard to come up with a new and reduced proposal that would move these negotiations to a conclusion by closing the financial gap. But the board of education rejected the offer and failed to offer any counterproposal or new ideas to get the process moving.
We are more than disappointed that the school board did not take the opportunity to get the parties closer to an agreement. It takes two sides to work through this problem and bring the strike to an end. We are doing our part. The school board is not. The Board continues to use a positional approach resulting in no changes to their proposal.
As teachers, we fully understand how difficult this situation has been for the entire community. It’s been very difficult for all of us as well. No one wants a strike. What we really want is to be back in the classrooms, providing the great education to our students that they and the community have come to expect and deserve.
The school board is failing to address the problem we have with teachers being required to leave their classrooms in order to do committee work. Yes, working together in committees is important, but a great deal of it could be done after school in order to keep classrooms in session. Removing teachers from their classrooms can be very disruptive to student learning and classroom continuity.
But we must have fairness. We know we will never earn the kinds of salaries that are paid in neighboring districts. We haven’t asked for that. But we do expect to be treated as professionals. That is not too much to ask. PHEA is looking to bridge the gap between surrounding districts.
Finally, a professional salary schedule is important to us as teachers because it is the standard in the industry.
We reiterate that we are willing and ready to meet and negotiate at any time to get this difficult situation resolved. As we have stated before, if it would help the process, we would be willing to negotiate in public. We want to put this behind us and get children back in their classrooms. We invite the school board to join us in that effort.
School District 23 Salary Comparisons
(Districts Used By D23 School Board)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Update from September 24th 6:00 PM meeting
After PHEA membership resoundingly rejected the Board’s earlier proposal, PHEA offered a two year counter-proposal at this evening"s negotiations.
PHEA lowered the percent increases from 4.5% to 4.25% in the first year
4.39% to 4.25% in the second year
The Board refused this proposal. We look forward to our next session.
Update from September 24th 6:00 PM meeting
After PHEA membership resoundingly rejected the Board’s earlier proposal, PHEA offered a two year counter-proposal at this evening"s negotiations.
PHEA lowered the percent increases from 4.5% to 4.25% in the first year
4.39% to 4.25% in the second year
The Board refused this proposal. We look forward to our next session.
Dear Community,
The Board of Education continues to insist PHEA is not communicating with them directly but rather through the media. In fact, at 11:48 am today, the Board’s attorney and Mediator were informed via email of the PHEA vote to reject the Board’s most recent proposal. Notification through the Board attorney was the agreed upon method of communication between parties. Board President Mari-Lynn Peters continues to mislead the public regarding communication between the Board and PHEA.
The Board of Education continues to insist PHEA is not communicating with them directly but rather through the media. In fact, at 11:48 am today, the Board’s attorney and Mediator were informed via email of the PHEA vote to reject the Board’s most recent proposal. Notification through the Board attorney was the agreed upon method of communication between parties. Board President Mari-Lynn Peters continues to mislead the public regarding communication between the Board and PHEA.
PHEA Rejects Board Offer
September 24, 2015
Prospect Heights, IL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By an overwhelming margin, the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) rejected what the Board of Education presents as its “Best and Final Offer.” The vote took place after a 90-minute meeting of the membership. As a result, the negotiations will continue.
“It was a very emotional meeting,” said Bob Miller, president of the PHEA.
“Every PHEA member wants to get back to school with our students. However, the offer was inadequate in meeting our primary goals.”
There are three primary issues with the Board’s offer.
First, the Board’s package does not do enough to move committee work outside of the school day. Teachers will continue to be pulled out of the classroom, which disrupts student learning.
Second, the Board’s financial offer, although closer to an acceptable settlement, is inadequate in closing the wage gap with surrounding districts. The Board's offer caps educational advancement by limiting educators’ ability for growth. If the Board values continuing education for educators, there should be no cap on potential earnings for advanced degrees.
Finally, the Board’s offer does not include a standard professional teacher’s salary schedule that provides a career path and transparency to all district stakeholders.
“We continue to say to this Board, we are willing to meet, we are ready to meet, even in a public forum. We want to put this behind us and get kids back in the classroom. But, we need the Board to negotiate with a commitment to a fair settlement without preconditions,” states Miller.
September 24, 2015
Prospect Heights, IL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By an overwhelming margin, the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) rejected what the Board of Education presents as its “Best and Final Offer.” The vote took place after a 90-minute meeting of the membership. As a result, the negotiations will continue.
“It was a very emotional meeting,” said Bob Miller, president of the PHEA.
“Every PHEA member wants to get back to school with our students. However, the offer was inadequate in meeting our primary goals.”
There are three primary issues with the Board’s offer.
First, the Board’s package does not do enough to move committee work outside of the school day. Teachers will continue to be pulled out of the classroom, which disrupts student learning.
Second, the Board’s financial offer, although closer to an acceptable settlement, is inadequate in closing the wage gap with surrounding districts. The Board's offer caps educational advancement by limiting educators’ ability for growth. If the Board values continuing education for educators, there should be no cap on potential earnings for advanced degrees.
Finally, the Board’s offer does not include a standard professional teacher’s salary schedule that provides a career path and transparency to all district stakeholders.
“We continue to say to this Board, we are willing to meet, we are ready to meet, even in a public forum. We want to put this behind us and get kids back in the classroom. But, we need the Board to negotiate with a commitment to a fair settlement without preconditions,” states Miller.
Please see the homepage for the most up to date proposal.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Update
Thank you for all of the emails and concerns about PHEA taking a vote today and getting back in the classroom. PHEA agrees with the community, we want to get the kids back into the classroom as soon as possible. We are continuing to bargain in good faith. Please continue to check for updates as the day goes on.
Thank you for all of the emails and concerns about PHEA taking a vote today and getting back in the classroom. PHEA agrees with the community, we want to get the kids back into the classroom as soon as possible. We are continuing to bargain in good faith. Please continue to check for updates as the day goes on.
School District #23 has adopted Wednesday, September 23 as a non-attendance day for students and staff due to the religious holiday. Therefore, PHEA will not be picketing in order to honor the community members who celebrate. Continue to watch for updates about negotiations.
Salary Comparison between District 23 and District 62
We are highlighting this specific district because this is one of several that the BOE used for comparison purposes. PHEA is looking at a schedule in its entirety while the BOE is only looking at starting salaries.
The BOE has pointed out that the starting salary in District 23 is $3,645 higher then District 62. However, they have neglected to share that by year 17, District 23 is $14,294 less then District 62. The result of this comparison is that growth is very hard to attain in District 23. It would take an additional 7 years to achieve the equivalent salary of an 17-year employee in District 62. In addition, each year of experience is rewarded with a 4.57% increase. This means that over the 8-year contract that District 62 currently has in place each employee receives a 4.57% increase in salary each year
We are highlighting this specific district because this is one of several that the BOE used for comparison purposes. PHEA is looking at a schedule in its entirety while the BOE is only looking at starting salaries.
The BOE has pointed out that the starting salary in District 23 is $3,645 higher then District 62. However, they have neglected to share that by year 17, District 23 is $14,294 less then District 62. The result of this comparison is that growth is very hard to attain in District 23. It would take an additional 7 years to achieve the equivalent salary of an 17-year employee in District 62. In addition, each year of experience is rewarded with a 4.57% increase. This means that over the 8-year contract that District 62 currently has in place each employee receives a 4.57% increase in salary each year
- $41,405 highlighted above represents a 1st year teacher with a Bachelors degree for District 23.
- $83,226 highlighted above represents a teacher who has a Master’s Degree plus 30 more graduate hours of schooling and has been teaching for 17 years.
- $37,760 highlighted above represents a 1st year teacher with a Bachelors degree for District 62.
- $97,520 highlighted above represents a teacher who has a Master’s Degree plus 30 more graduate hours of schooling and has been teaching for 17 years.
PHEA would like to express our thanks to all of the families and community members who have dropped off water and snacks. We appreciate your support!
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Update from September 21st 6:00 PM meeting
Both sides met last night. There was an open dialogue and both teams agreed to come back to resume negotiations at 7:00 P.M. tonight.
Update from September 21st 6:00 PM meeting
Both sides met last night. There was an open dialogue and both teams agreed to come back to resume negotiations at 7:00 P.M. tonight.
E-mail Communication
Students and parents, if you have tried to contact any staff member in Dist. 23 via e-mail, we regret to inform you that our district e-mail was deactivated the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 15. Unfortunately, this leaves us unable to respond to any correspondence you may have sent.
Students and parents, if you have tried to contact any staff member in Dist. 23 via e-mail, we regret to inform you that our district e-mail was deactivated the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 15. Unfortunately, this leaves us unable to respond to any correspondence you may have sent.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Update from September 20th 6:00 PM meeting
The Board of Education proposed a cooling off period, which PHEA rejected. A cooling off period is not a solution to the problem. It is delaying coming to a resolution. There was some progress made tonight. Both sides will be back at the bargaining table at 6:00 on Monday, September 21.
New salary increases
PHEA
2015-16 4.5%
2016-17 4.39%
2017-18 4.0%
Board of Education
3.25% for wage earners under $90,720 1.75% for wage earners over $90,720 all three years
Update from September 20th 6:00 PM meeting
The Board of Education proposed a cooling off period, which PHEA rejected. A cooling off period is not a solution to the problem. It is delaying coming to a resolution. There was some progress made tonight. Both sides will be back at the bargaining table at 6:00 on Monday, September 21.
New salary increases
PHEA
2015-16 4.5%
2016-17 4.39%
2017-18 4.0%
Board of Education
3.25% for wage earners under $90,720 1.75% for wage earners over $90,720 all three years
September 18, 2015
Update from September 17th 6:00 PM meeting
The Board of Education stood behind the proposal that they gave Tuesday. According to the mediator, the board said that they do have room to move but they reissued their same offer. PHEA offered to meet morning, noon or night on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday and the BOE chose Sunday night at 6:00 PM. PHEA invites the community to join them in front of the administration building at 5:30.
Update from September 17th 6:00 PM meeting
The Board of Education stood behind the proposal that they gave Tuesday. According to the mediator, the board said that they do have room to move but they reissued their same offer. PHEA offered to meet morning, noon or night on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday and the BOE chose Sunday night at 6:00 PM. PHEA invites the community to join them in front of the administration building at 5:30.
September 16, 2015
Scheduled 6:00 Negotiations Meeting
The PHEA negotiation team waited on the steps of the admin building this evening from 6:00 to 6:15 hoping the BOE would reconsider their earlier cancellation of negotiations. Board president Mari-Lynn Peters arrived at 5:55. District parents attempted to speak with her about the negotiations. The PHEA negotiation team offered to meet immediately to continue the negotiation process. The board quickly closed the door indicating that negotiations would not take place this evening.
Scheduled 6:00 Negotiations Meeting
The PHEA negotiation team waited on the steps of the admin building this evening from 6:00 to 6:15 hoping the BOE would reconsider their earlier cancellation of negotiations. Board president Mari-Lynn Peters arrived at 5:55. District parents attempted to speak with her about the negotiations. The PHEA negotiation team offered to meet immediately to continue the negotiation process. The board quickly closed the door indicating that negotiations would not take place this evening.
September 15, 2015
11:45 p.m.
Prospect Heights Education Association
Proposal to D23 Board of Education
THEY ARE REFUSING TO MEET AT 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM and AT THE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED 6:00 PM MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 16TH.
These actions almost guarantee AT MINIMUM A 2 DAY STRIKE which keeps our children out of school and away from their academics and extracurricular activities that would have normally been held at the schools.
We have met the BOE on every interest that they have proposed and we are only $150,000 apart for each year of the 3 year period.
11:45 p.m.
Prospect Heights Education Association
Proposal to D23 Board of Education
- The BOE refused to counter our last offer.
- They canceled our scheduled meeting for 6:00 PM, September 16th.
- They told the mediator not to come.
- The BOE refused to have public negotiations.
- They refuse to have open and transparent methods of salary delivery.
THEY ARE REFUSING TO MEET AT 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM and AT THE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED 6:00 PM MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 16TH.
These actions almost guarantee AT MINIMUM A 2 DAY STRIKE which keeps our children out of school and away from their academics and extracurricular activities that would have normally been held at the schools.
We have met the BOE on every interest that they have proposed and we are only $150,000 apart for each year of the 3 year period.
1. Insurance. Unchanged from 8.26.15 proposal.
2. Language
a. Article XV.K. A teacher required to attend, on a non-scheduled working day as a function of a job related duty that is not covered by
extra duty, will be paid a stipend of $30.00 per hour worked.
b. Article V.F. Teachers employed to provide home/hospital bound tutorial services for District 23 students shall be paid not less than
$30.00 per hour and mileage reimbursement at the rate annually established by the Board.
c. New Language
1) Committee Assignments
Committee assignments will be determined by PHEA and the building principal. In order to provide opportunity for all staff to participate on committees, committee work may be scheduled after contractual hours. Committee dates and times will be determined by committee members. Committee meetings will last no longer than two (2) hours per meeting after contractual hours. Committee participants will be paid $30.00/hour, and will be paid in (15) minute increments. All committee participation is voluntary and open to tenured and non-probationary staff members. With joint PHEA and District agreement, non-tenured and probationary staff will be allowed to volunteer for specific committee assignments (such as the bilingual committee.)
2) Substitute duties
A staff member who provides substitute teaching services or who is required to supervise students because a substitute is unavailable, will be paid a stipend of $0.50/minute for substitute teaching or supervision duties.
2. Language
a. Article XV.K. A teacher required to attend, on a non-scheduled working day as a function of a job related duty that is not covered by
extra duty, will be paid a stipend of $30.00 per hour worked.
b. Article V.F. Teachers employed to provide home/hospital bound tutorial services for District 23 students shall be paid not less than
$30.00 per hour and mileage reimbursement at the rate annually established by the Board.
c. New Language
1) Committee Assignments
Committee assignments will be determined by PHEA and the building principal. In order to provide opportunity for all staff to participate on committees, committee work may be scheduled after contractual hours. Committee dates and times will be determined by committee members. Committee meetings will last no longer than two (2) hours per meeting after contractual hours. Committee participants will be paid $30.00/hour, and will be paid in (15) minute increments. All committee participation is voluntary and open to tenured and non-probationary staff members. With joint PHEA and District agreement, non-tenured and probationary staff will be allowed to volunteer for specific committee assignments (such as the bilingual committee.)
2) Substitute duties
A staff member who provides substitute teaching services or who is required to supervise students because a substitute is unavailable, will be paid a stipend of $0.50/minute for substitute teaching or supervision duties.
September 12, 2015
Prospect Heights Education Association
Proposal to D23 Board of Education
PHEA’s Belief Regarding Current Negotiations
The Prospect Heights Education Association strongly believes in and respects the teaching and support staff of District 23. The PHEA has been negotiating in good faith for a fair and equitable contract that reflects several core beliefs regarding fiscal responsibility and pay increases for teachers and support staff in the District. The following statements capture the beliefs that the PHEA feels must be considered to maintain the long-term financial stability and academic integrity of the District.
1. Pay increases should:
a. Be competitive with surrounding school districts in order to attract and retain highly qualified educational professionals
b. Be affordable and sustainable
c. Ensure financial stability for the District and program viability for the students
d. Be given for education and experience
e. Be openly and transparently reflected in salary and wage schedules
f. Reflect equity for all staff members
g. Keep teachers and assistants in the classroom
2. PHEA believes the current negotiations are about:
a. The Board’s unwillingness to pay, as opposed to the Board’s inability to pay
b. The Board’s desire to implement a performance-based pay system which (1) penalizes educators who work with the District’s most vulnerable populations and (2) promotes professional competition instead of collaboration to the detriment of students
c. The Board’s continuing opposition to open, transparent, equitable and sustainable salary and wage schedules
PHEA’s Commitment to the Community:
1. We are committed to negotiating a contract, which is open and transparent.
2. We want to negotiate daily until a settlement is reached.
3. PHEA does not want to strike. However, if no settlement is reached by the conclusion of negotiations on Tuesday, September 15, the first morning of the strike will be Wednesday, September 16.
4. PHEA implores the District to plan for normal school operations next week, to include student busing and extracurricular activities. The outcome of our efforts to reach settlement with the Board will not be known until the conclusion of negotiations on or before September 15.
Prospect Heights Education Association
Proposal to D23 Board of Education
PHEA’s Belief Regarding Current Negotiations
The Prospect Heights Education Association strongly believes in and respects the teaching and support staff of District 23. The PHEA has been negotiating in good faith for a fair and equitable contract that reflects several core beliefs regarding fiscal responsibility and pay increases for teachers and support staff in the District. The following statements capture the beliefs that the PHEA feels must be considered to maintain the long-term financial stability and academic integrity of the District.
1. Pay increases should:
a. Be competitive with surrounding school districts in order to attract and retain highly qualified educational professionals
b. Be affordable and sustainable
c. Ensure financial stability for the District and program viability for the students
d. Be given for education and experience
e. Be openly and transparently reflected in salary and wage schedules
f. Reflect equity for all staff members
g. Keep teachers and assistants in the classroom
2. PHEA believes the current negotiations are about:
a. The Board’s unwillingness to pay, as opposed to the Board’s inability to pay
b. The Board’s desire to implement a performance-based pay system which (1) penalizes educators who work with the District’s most vulnerable populations and (2) promotes professional competition instead of collaboration to the detriment of students
c. The Board’s continuing opposition to open, transparent, equitable and sustainable salary and wage schedules
PHEA’s Commitment to the Community:
1. We are committed to negotiating a contract, which is open and transparent.
2. We want to negotiate daily until a settlement is reached.
3. PHEA does not want to strike. However, if no settlement is reached by the conclusion of negotiations on Tuesday, September 15, the first morning of the strike will be Wednesday, September 16.
4. PHEA implores the District to plan for normal school operations next week, to include student busing and extracurricular activities. The outcome of our efforts to reach settlement with the Board will not be known until the conclusion of negotiations on or before September 15.
A. Finances
1. Three year contract
2. Certified staff
a. See data table above.
b. Salary schedule with step movement
1) Three percent (3%) step movement
2) Sixteen (16) steps for BA and BA+12 lanes
3) Twenty-eight (28) steps for BA+24, MA, MA+15, MA+30 lanes
c. Lane Movement
1) BA to BA+12 3% movement
2) BA+12 to BA+24 3% movement
3) BA+24 to MA 4.5% movement
4) MA to MA+15 3% movement
5) MA+15 to MA+30 3% movement
3. Non-certified staff
a. See data table above
b. Wage schedule
c. 3% step movement
4. Stipends
a. See data table above
b. Flat increases for all stipends
B. Other
1. Insurance. Unchanged from 8.26.15 proposal.
2. Language
a. Article XV.K. A teacher required to attend, on a non-scheduled working day as a function of a job related duty that is not covered by extra
duty, will be paid a stipend of $30.00 per hour worked.
b. Article V.F. Teachers employed to provide home/hospital bound tutorial services for District 23 students shall be paid not less than $30.00
per hour and mileage reimbursement at the rate annually established by the Board.
c. New Language
1) Committee Assignments
Committee assignments will be determined by PHEA and the building principal. In order to provide opportunity for all staff to
participate on committees, committee work may be scheduled after contractual hours. Committee dates and times will be determined by committee members. Committee meetings will last no longer than two (2) hours per meeting after contractual hours. Committee
participants will be paid $30.00/hour, and will be paid in (15) minute increments. All committee participation is voluntary and open to tenured and non-probationary staff members. With joint PHEA and District agreement, non-tenured and probationary staff will be allowed to volunteer for specific committee assignments (such as the bilingual committee.)
2) Substitute duties
A staff member who provides substitute teaching services or who is required to supervise students because a substitute is unavailable, will be paid a stipend of $0.50/minute for substitute teaching or supervision duties.
1. Three year contract
2. Certified staff
a. See data table above.
b. Salary schedule with step movement
1) Three percent (3%) step movement
2) Sixteen (16) steps for BA and BA+12 lanes
3) Twenty-eight (28) steps for BA+24, MA, MA+15, MA+30 lanes
c. Lane Movement
1) BA to BA+12 3% movement
2) BA+12 to BA+24 3% movement
3) BA+24 to MA 4.5% movement
4) MA to MA+15 3% movement
5) MA+15 to MA+30 3% movement
3. Non-certified staff
a. See data table above
b. Wage schedule
c. 3% step movement
4. Stipends
a. See data table above
b. Flat increases for all stipends
B. Other
1. Insurance. Unchanged from 8.26.15 proposal.
2. Language
a. Article XV.K. A teacher required to attend, on a non-scheduled working day as a function of a job related duty that is not covered by extra
duty, will be paid a stipend of $30.00 per hour worked.
b. Article V.F. Teachers employed to provide home/hospital bound tutorial services for District 23 students shall be paid not less than $30.00
per hour and mileage reimbursement at the rate annually established by the Board.
c. New Language
1) Committee Assignments
Committee assignments will be determined by PHEA and the building principal. In order to provide opportunity for all staff to
participate on committees, committee work may be scheduled after contractual hours. Committee dates and times will be determined by committee members. Committee meetings will last no longer than two (2) hours per meeting after contractual hours. Committee
participants will be paid $30.00/hour, and will be paid in (15) minute increments. All committee participation is voluntary and open to tenured and non-probationary staff members. With joint PHEA and District agreement, non-tenured and probationary staff will be allowed to volunteer for specific committee assignments (such as the bilingual committee.)
2) Substitute duties
A staff member who provides substitute teaching services or who is required to supervise students because a substitute is unavailable, will be paid a stipend of $0.50/minute for substitute teaching or supervision duties.
PHEA Speech to the School Board
Bob Miller Phea President
9/9/15
Good evening school board members, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Angelaccio, and guests. My name is Bob Miller and I am a teacher at Betsy Ross School and PHEA president. I come here tonight seven days away from the first strike in District 23 history.
When we started way back in March we were asking for an agreement that attracts and retains teachers, keeps teachers and support staff in the classroom, and makes us competitive with surrounding area districts. Almost seven months later we are still asking for those same things.
When we began back in March we didn’t think we would be in the position we are in with a strike seven days away. This is our third negotiation in four years and nothing has changed. Four years ago in 2011 the district came to PHEA with a promise. Make a sacrifice for the betterment of the district and we will reopen the contract and when times are better the board will take care of its’ teachers and support staff. Teachers and support staff took a small salary increase year one and took a hard freeze year two. It should be noted that although we were asked to make sacrifices administration still received their salary increases.
Fast forward to the next 2013-2014 negotiations titled the reopener. During this sixteen month negotiation teachers and support staff were promised a salary increase because times were better. We were all under the assumption that our salary increases were based on our dedication, student achievement, and hard work. The board used that increase as a way to eradicate our teacher salary schedule. The board knew we couldn’t strike and with our backs up against the wall we were forced into settling on an agreement that we would not have accepted under normal negotiation procedures.
After promises that were not fulfilled two years ago PHEA was still willing to negotiate in good faith to try to reach a fair agreement. We should have known that another broken promise was coming during this negotiation. This time it was a 1.3 million dollar broken promise. In 2012 while teachers and support staff were taking a hard freeze the district was busy planning a geothermal heating and air-conditioning system throughout the district. This initiative was budgeted for approximately ten million dollars. The board promised that they wouldn’t use money from the education fund but instead would take out bonds in order to fund the project that would later be paid for by the community. But as we found out the district misbudgeted the project by an astounding 1.3 million dollars. So what did the board do? They broke another promise and in January one month before this negotiation were to start the board approved a resolution to transfer 800,000 dollars from the Education Fund which goes toward teacher salary, curriculum, and educational needs to the Capital Project Fund. The funds once transferred, were used on the construction at Eisenhower School which already had air conditioning. The other 500,000 was budgeted to be transferred the following year. Over the past few days some board members have been stating they don’t believe in taking out bonds to pay for teacher’s salaries. In an article in the Tribune a board member stated taking out bonds to pay for teacher’s salaries would be like taking out a second mortgage to pay a utility bill. This board’s interest is on paying for things not people.
We recognize that this board looks at paying us like paying their utility bill. We recognize that this board doesn’t mind using Education Funds to fund air-conditioning. We recognize this board doesn’t mind having their educators have the second lowest average salary, be at the bottom when looking at highest salaries, and lowest teacher retention rate of any of the seven surrounding districts according to the Illinois State Board of Education. But the public should recognize we used the same seven school districts the board used when comparing student fees back in February.
We don’t have the same beliefs as this board. We are more than a utility bill. These educators are the finest and most hard working dedicated professionals anywhere around. Our proposals would help attract and retain these highly qualified professionals. We don’t want to be a district that loses the best and brightest to surrounding districts. That is not fair to our students and their families that have grown so used to having their children receive such an outstanding education.
Don’t let your mistakes and your beliefs bring us to a strike. PHEA has been bargaining in good faith and has been working hard to get an agreement. It is your turn. We are asking you the board to come to negotiations this Saturday ready to compromise in order to get an agreement done. No one wants to go on strike but if your inability to compromise continues you leave us no choice.
Bob Miller Phea President
9/9/15
Good evening school board members, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Angelaccio, and guests. My name is Bob Miller and I am a teacher at Betsy Ross School and PHEA president. I come here tonight seven days away from the first strike in District 23 history.
When we started way back in March we were asking for an agreement that attracts and retains teachers, keeps teachers and support staff in the classroom, and makes us competitive with surrounding area districts. Almost seven months later we are still asking for those same things.
When we began back in March we didn’t think we would be in the position we are in with a strike seven days away. This is our third negotiation in four years and nothing has changed. Four years ago in 2011 the district came to PHEA with a promise. Make a sacrifice for the betterment of the district and we will reopen the contract and when times are better the board will take care of its’ teachers and support staff. Teachers and support staff took a small salary increase year one and took a hard freeze year two. It should be noted that although we were asked to make sacrifices administration still received their salary increases.
Fast forward to the next 2013-2014 negotiations titled the reopener. During this sixteen month negotiation teachers and support staff were promised a salary increase because times were better. We were all under the assumption that our salary increases were based on our dedication, student achievement, and hard work. The board used that increase as a way to eradicate our teacher salary schedule. The board knew we couldn’t strike and with our backs up against the wall we were forced into settling on an agreement that we would not have accepted under normal negotiation procedures.
After promises that were not fulfilled two years ago PHEA was still willing to negotiate in good faith to try to reach a fair agreement. We should have known that another broken promise was coming during this negotiation. This time it was a 1.3 million dollar broken promise. In 2012 while teachers and support staff were taking a hard freeze the district was busy planning a geothermal heating and air-conditioning system throughout the district. This initiative was budgeted for approximately ten million dollars. The board promised that they wouldn’t use money from the education fund but instead would take out bonds in order to fund the project that would later be paid for by the community. But as we found out the district misbudgeted the project by an astounding 1.3 million dollars. So what did the board do? They broke another promise and in January one month before this negotiation were to start the board approved a resolution to transfer 800,000 dollars from the Education Fund which goes toward teacher salary, curriculum, and educational needs to the Capital Project Fund. The funds once transferred, were used on the construction at Eisenhower School which already had air conditioning. The other 500,000 was budgeted to be transferred the following year. Over the past few days some board members have been stating they don’t believe in taking out bonds to pay for teacher’s salaries. In an article in the Tribune a board member stated taking out bonds to pay for teacher’s salaries would be like taking out a second mortgage to pay a utility bill. This board’s interest is on paying for things not people.
We recognize that this board looks at paying us like paying their utility bill. We recognize that this board doesn’t mind using Education Funds to fund air-conditioning. We recognize this board doesn’t mind having their educators have the second lowest average salary, be at the bottom when looking at highest salaries, and lowest teacher retention rate of any of the seven surrounding districts according to the Illinois State Board of Education. But the public should recognize we used the same seven school districts the board used when comparing student fees back in February.
We don’t have the same beliefs as this board. We are more than a utility bill. These educators are the finest and most hard working dedicated professionals anywhere around. Our proposals would help attract and retain these highly qualified professionals. We don’t want to be a district that loses the best and brightest to surrounding districts. That is not fair to our students and their families that have grown so used to having their children receive such an outstanding education.
Don’t let your mistakes and your beliefs bring us to a strike. PHEA has been bargaining in good faith and has been working hard to get an agreement. It is your turn. We are asking you the board to come to negotiations this Saturday ready to compromise in order to get an agreement done. No one wants to go on strike but if your inability to compromise continues you leave us no choice.
Data from the Ilinois State Board of Education for the 2014-2015 school year using comparitive districts the Board used in February when comparing student fees.
Recent Salary Proposal as of Sept. 1
Since Aug. 20, PHEA has lowered their proposal by 1.5% while The Board’s proposal has not changed in percentages
Since Aug. 20, PHEA has lowered their proposal by 1.5% while The Board’s proposal has not changed in percentages
Negotiations update as of Sept. 1
As teachers and education support professionals, we know that students, parents and community members are growing increasingly concerned about the unsettled nature of our negotiations. We want you to know that we share your concern and are working hard to resolve remaining issues in a way that is fair to everyone.
Our goal as professionals is to provide the highest quality education possible to the students of District 23. We want to maintain an excellent school district that serves current and future students in the same high quality manner as it has in the past. We are proud of the school district and of the work we do to make it successful. Nothing will ever change about that.
The great news is that this school year has gotten off to an excellent start. Quality education is occurring throughout the school district. The schools are alive with activity, engagement and learning.
There are three negotiations matters we would like to bring to your attention.
The School Board asserted that the PHEA has, at times, unnecessarily delayed, postponed or been unavailable for negotiations or mediation sessions. That is simply not true. We have made it abundantly clear to the School Board that we are ready, willing and able to meet. Furthermore, you may be left with the impression that “inadequate time” for negotiations or mediation may be a reason to strike or may possibly get in the way of a timely settlement.
We want to assure you that, in fact, the PHEA would be first to say that more dialogue and more time are needed. If misunderstanding, unclear communication or lack of time were the real issues getting in the way of progress, we know that is a problem that is easily fixed. We are glad to give the process and quality dialogue all the time they need.
Unfortunately, the clear disagreement is unrelated to the amount of time we have had to negotiate a contract. The issue is that the School Board and PHEA have very different views about what is a fair and competitive contract for employees. It is also related to promises and commitments to employees that have been made in the past. Those are the issues. Time for dialogue is not the problem. It never has been.
So to emphasize the point, and in hopes of moving the process along in a positive manner, the PHEA states to you, the public, and to the School Board that our negotiations team is willing and able to make itself available for negotiations and/or mediation at any reasonable times and on any reasonable dates starting now and for the foreseeable future if the School Board team will likewise make itself available. If the School Board believes that more time for discussion and dialogue is needed, then we are prepared to move heaven and earth in making our team available.
Thank you for all the thoughts of concern that have been expressed to us in particular over the last few weeks. We remain hopeful. We will keep you informed.
As teachers and education support professionals, we know that students, parents and community members are growing increasingly concerned about the unsettled nature of our negotiations. We want you to know that we share your concern and are working hard to resolve remaining issues in a way that is fair to everyone.
Our goal as professionals is to provide the highest quality education possible to the students of District 23. We want to maintain an excellent school district that serves current and future students in the same high quality manner as it has in the past. We are proud of the school district and of the work we do to make it successful. Nothing will ever change about that.
The great news is that this school year has gotten off to an excellent start. Quality education is occurring throughout the school district. The schools are alive with activity, engagement and learning.
There are three negotiations matters we would like to bring to your attention.
- The next mediation sessions are scheduled for Sept. 1 ,8, 12, 14, 16. The PHEA team remains hopeful and dedicated to finalizing an agreement that is fair to all concerned – one that continues to attract and retain the kinds of high quality professionals that the community has come to know and expect in its schools.
- The PHEA wants to provide adequate time for the mediation process to work effectively. As you know, we have sent in the required authorizing papers to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB). These papers are a legal requirement in the event that a work stoppage becomes necessary. If you want to see the current negotiation offers of the School Board and the PHEA, visit the IELRB website at www.illinois.gov/elrb/. We will keep you informed of changes, progress or lack thereof.
- The School Board recently sent home an informational newsletter to families, staff and community members. The PHEA is genuinely appreciative that the School Board’s sentiments in the newsletter were supportive of the mediation/negotiations process. We, too, are hopeful that mediation will lead to good discussions and a fair agreement in a timely manner.
The School Board asserted that the PHEA has, at times, unnecessarily delayed, postponed or been unavailable for negotiations or mediation sessions. That is simply not true. We have made it abundantly clear to the School Board that we are ready, willing and able to meet. Furthermore, you may be left with the impression that “inadequate time” for negotiations or mediation may be a reason to strike or may possibly get in the way of a timely settlement.
We want to assure you that, in fact, the PHEA would be first to say that more dialogue and more time are needed. If misunderstanding, unclear communication or lack of time were the real issues getting in the way of progress, we know that is a problem that is easily fixed. We are glad to give the process and quality dialogue all the time they need.
Unfortunately, the clear disagreement is unrelated to the amount of time we have had to negotiate a contract. The issue is that the School Board and PHEA have very different views about what is a fair and competitive contract for employees. It is also related to promises and commitments to employees that have been made in the past. Those are the issues. Time for dialogue is not the problem. It never has been.
So to emphasize the point, and in hopes of moving the process along in a positive manner, the PHEA states to you, the public, and to the School Board that our negotiations team is willing and able to make itself available for negotiations and/or mediation at any reasonable times and on any reasonable dates starting now and for the foreseeable future if the School Board team will likewise make itself available. If the School Board believes that more time for discussion and dialogue is needed, then we are prepared to move heaven and earth in making our team available.
Thank you for all the thoughts of concern that have been expressed to us in particular over the last few weeks. We remain hopeful. We will keep you informed.
PHEA Educators Authorize Strike
99% of the members of Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night to authorize a strike if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached in a timely manner. The action paves the way for the union to file its official notice of intent to strike with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. After the intent to strike is filed, a legal strike may occur at any time after a waiting period. No official strike date is set at this point. "We're being forced into this action by a school board that's proposing to compromise educational quality at the exact time it needs to be enhanced," says PHEA president Bob Miller.
District teachers are taking a stand for:
-Attracting and retaining quality professionals to serve the students
-Keeping teachers and assistants in the classroom
-A fair and competitive salary
The bargaining team remains in mediation and will meet with the BOE on Wednesday, August 26th, and Friday August 28th and will continue to press for progress in contract negotiations. "We don't want to strike. We are dealing with a BOE that won't listen to us and won't compromise in a fair manner," President Miller added.
99% of the members of Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night to authorize a strike if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached in a timely manner. The action paves the way for the union to file its official notice of intent to strike with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. After the intent to strike is filed, a legal strike may occur at any time after a waiting period. No official strike date is set at this point. "We're being forced into this action by a school board that's proposing to compromise educational quality at the exact time it needs to be enhanced," says PHEA president Bob Miller.
District teachers are taking a stand for:
-Attracting and retaining quality professionals to serve the students
-Keeping teachers and assistants in the classroom
-A fair and competitive salary
The bargaining team remains in mediation and will meet with the BOE on Wednesday, August 26th, and Friday August 28th and will continue to press for progress in contract negotiations. "We don't want to strike. We are dealing with a BOE that won't listen to us and won't compromise in a fair manner," President Miller added.
PHEA members to take strike authorization vote
Due to the fact that the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) and the District 23 School Board have been unable to reach an agreement with the help of mediation, a strike authorization vote will be taken on Tuesday, August 25th. “Our argument is for quality and fairness,” said PHEA President Bob Miller. “We want to maintain the kind of quality school district that attracts and retains great teachers to serve the students - the kind of quality professionals that have made this a great school system.” The bargaining team, in good faith, has been negotiating for several months, including meetings with a federal mediator. President Miller also stated, “We continue to be disappointed and very frustrated with the outcome of the mediation sessions.”
Due to the fact that the Prospect Heights Education Association (PHEA) and the District 23 School Board have been unable to reach an agreement with the help of mediation, a strike authorization vote will be taken on Tuesday, August 25th. “Our argument is for quality and fairness,” said PHEA President Bob Miller. “We want to maintain the kind of quality school district that attracts and retains great teachers to serve the students - the kind of quality professionals that have made this a great school system.” The bargaining team, in good faith, has been negotiating for several months, including meetings with a federal mediator. President Miller also stated, “We continue to be disappointed and very frustrated with the outcome of the mediation sessions.”