D-158 board, union still talking

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HUNTLEY – After a full day of negotiations today, District 158 officials still haven’t come to a new contract agreement.

Teachers union representatives and District 158 school board members started their weekend negotiations about 1:30 p.m. and as of about 7:30 p.m. no deal had been reached.

District Superintendent John Burkey said officials probably would continue to meet for the next few hours, but he didn’t expect a final deal before Sunday.

He added that the two sides are making progress, though.

About 8,200 students in District 158 could be shut out of classes Monday if a tentative teachers contract agreement isn’t reached this weekend.

A news release from the school board indicated that agreement was reached on a number of items, including health insurance. At the start of the meeting, the board discussed flexibility on the salary schedule, including giving more money to the most experienced, off-schedule teachers, the release said.

On the other side, a news release from the Huntley Education Association reiterated the union’s commitment to avoiding a strike, but placed the onus on the school board.

“If the board is serious about negotiating a fair contract, school will be in session on Monday,” the union said in the news release.

The union also stressed its desire for a “fair and affordable” settlement that would help the district to attract and retain teachers of the highest quality.

Previously, both sides had agreed to meet at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, with the teachers planning a rally at 1 p.m. outside the district office, 650 Academic Drive, Algonquin.

If no deal is reached by 6 p.m. Sunday, district officials say they will notify parents via the Instant Alert emergency system whether school will be closed Monday because of a strike.