D228 Teachers Set with New Contract

It's finally official: the Joint Faculty Association and Bremen School District 228 locked in a three-year contract agreement that was approved by the Board of Education Tuesday, Sept. 18.

The three-year contract calls for a pay freeze for all teachers during the first year of the contract, while allowing incremental 'steps' in years two and three. The contract also ups the teachers' contribution to healthcare.

Superintendent Bill Kendall praised both the JFA and the district during the meeting.

“I'd like to acknowledge the respectful and cohesive efforts in settling the contract of both the JFA negotiating team, led by Melanie Gengo and Kathleen McNeely, and on behalf of the board of education district administrators, Tom O'Malley and Dan Goggins,” Kendall said.

He continued by stating that judging by the landscape of other districts in the State, District 228 was now in a good position.

“Many districts are facing the same difficult negotiations during these very stressful times,” he said. “I'm proud to say that the JFA and the Board of Education have weathered the difficult negotiations and never made any decision at the expense of our students.”

Kendall concluded by stating that the contract is fiscally responsible and has the best interests of the taxpayers, students, faculty and community at heart.  

The vote was unanimous with board members present, with board member John Kirkton absent.  The contract will be posted on the district's website in the near future.