Waukegan Public Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement

Waukegan Public Schools Collective Bargaining Agreement: What You Need to Know

Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) are contracts between employers and unions that establish the terms and conditions of employment for workers. These agreements cover a wide range of issues, including wages, benefits, working hours, and job security. In the case of the Waukegan Public Schools in Waukegan, Illinois, the CBA between the school district and the Waukegan Teachers` Council (WTC) is a crucial component of the district`s operations.

The Waukegan Public Schools serve over 16,000 students in 24 schools. The district employs approximately 1,200 teachers, who are represented by the WTC. The CBA between the district and the union is renegotiated every three years, with the last agreement being ratified in 2020.

One of the key provisions of the CBA is the salary schedule, which establishes the minimum and maximum salaries for teachers based on their level of education and years of experience. The current salary schedule ranges from $40,958 for a new teacher with a bachelor`s degree to $100,984 for a teacher with a doctorate and 20 or more years of experience. In addition to base salaries, teachers may also receive stipends for coaching, sponsoring clubs, or taking on additional responsibilities.

The CBA also includes provisions related to class size, work hours, and professional development. For example, the agreement sets limits on the number of students in each class, with the maximum class sizes ranging from 22 students in kindergarten to 30 students in high school. It also requires teachers to be on duty for seven hours and 25 minutes each day, with additional hours for planning and professional development.

The CBA also includes provisions related to job security, including provisions for layoffs and rehiring, as well as a grievance procedure for resolving disputes between teachers and administrators. It also provides for health and pension benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, as well as retirement plans.

As with any CBA, the Waukegan Public Schools` agreement is the result of negotiations between the school district and the union. Both sides bring their own priorities and concerns to the bargaining table, and the resulting agreement reflects a compromise between the two. While the CBA may not satisfy every teacher or administrator, it provides a framework for ensuring fair and equitable treatment of teachers and supporting the district`s mission of providing a high-quality education to all students.

In conclusion, the Waukegan Public Schools` collective bargaining agreement is a critical document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the district`s teachers. From salary schedules to class size limits and job security provisions, the CBA reflects the ongoing negotiations and compromise between the district and the Waukegan Teachers` Council. As the district continues to face challenges and opportunities, the CBA will remain an essential tool for ensuring that the needs of both teachers and students are met.