Unit 5 leaders say newly-approved boosts to educators' pay will give the district a competitive edge in attracting employees.
On Wednesday, during its meeting at Normal West Community High School, the Unit 5 school board OK’d the pay increases as part of four-year contracts approved for the teachers' union, support professionals union, superintendent Kristen Weikle, and other staff.
Beginning this year, the average starting teacher will earn $42,000 a year — 5% more than the same position last year. Starting support professionals will see their wages jump 25%, to $18 per hour.
These and other pay increases mean “Unit 5 will be able to offer more competitive wages and benefits as compared to other local districts, other large unit districts, and even local businesses,” Weikle told the board.
Also at its monthly meeting, the board approved a new open attendance area to handle expected housing growth, and a nearly $30,000 settlement in a former employee's sexual harassment lawsuit.
On Wednesday, the school board approved new four-year contracts for the Unit Five Education Association (UFEA), representing district teachers; and the Unit Five Support Professionals Association (UFSPA) that covers many paraprofessionals and office personnel.
Board members Stan Gozur and Mark Adams abstained from the UFEA contract vote, due to family conflicts of interest.
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