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Dear District 65 Community -

We are pleased to announce that on Monday evening the School Board unanimously approved a four-year agreement with the District 65 Educators’ Council (DEC). A high quality school system is the direct result of a team of caring, talented educators. We are so grateful for the many who have chosen to make District 65 their professional home.

Since March, bargaining teams representing DEC and D65 have worked collaboratively, largely through Interest Based Bargaining, to reach a fair and equitable agreement. The teams reached a tentative agreement on November 18 which was later ratified by the DEC membership on December 12, with nearly an 80% vote of approval. 

We are appreciative of the commitment and deep collaboration demonstrated by both teams to develop a contract that honors the hard work and dedication of our educators. Focused on continued high quality teaching and learning across the district along with competitive compensation for educators, we believe the contract provides needed stability for our educational team and community.

The teams participated in over 25 bargaining sessions and discussed a range of issues related to compensation and working conditions -- including planning time, team meetings, safety, professional learning, school program design, retirement options, salary, and benefits. During the process, both teams acknowledged the district’s structural deficit with expenditures outpacing revenues. It will be necessary to keep collaboration ongoing as difficult decisions will be necessary to improve the district’s financial health and to eliminate the structural deficit. 

Our educators make vital contributions within our school communities and are deeply valued members of our team. It was important to everyone involved to reach an agreement that demonstrates how much we believe in our talented team of educators. Contract highlights have been included at the close of this email for your review. 

Once the review process has been completed by both parties, a final contract will be posted to the District 65 website at district65.net. We appreciate all of the time and energy that went into the process and look forward to continued collaboration in the coming year. 

On behalf of the District 65 administrative team, DEC leadership, and school board, we wish all of our dedicated staff, students, and their families a joyful, restful winter break. 

 

In collaboration, 

Mr. Sergio Hernandez, Board President
Dr. Trisha Baker, DEC President
Dr. Angel Turner, Superintendent

 

Contract Highlights

• Salary increases over the four-year contract period include an average step increase of 2.73%, along with a base salary increase each year as outlined below. Step increases are awarded based on staff longevity. 
  • FY25 base increase of 2.30% 
  • FY26 100% of CPI, with a minimum of 2.00% and a maximum of 2.27%
  • FY27 100% of CPI, with a minimum of 2.00% and a maximum of 2.27%
  • FY28 base increase of 2.27%
• Returning DEC members, who are eligible, continue to move one step on the salary schedule in each of the contract years.
• All eligible DEC members will continue to receive a “track movement increase” recognizing continuous learning and additional coursework, participation on school or district committees, and the completion of leadership projects. Additionally the track movement verification process was updated to streamline for greater efficiency and accessibility.
• Retirement incentives were identified that allow educators the opportunity to provide District 65 with a three to four year advance notice of their intent to retire. This will help the district to forecast future vacancies and align hiring efforts with our staffing needs. 
• The District will reduce the DEC member health insurance contribution by 4% in all PPO plans over the course of the agreement. 
• Collaboration to support the continued implementation of restorative practices in D65 schools and identified supports for educators related to student discipline (in accordance with the new student discipline policy).