WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderSchool Board approves one year contract extension for teachers

School Board approves one year contract extension for teachers

By Marissa Alter

ROCKFORD (WREX) - The Rockford School Board unanimously approves a one year contract extension with the Rockford Education Association. The collective bargaining agreement was added to tonight's agenda two hours before the school board meeting.

Rockford teachers were supposed to start negotiations for a new contract next month. Instead, teachers met with union leaders behind closed doors two days ago. Rockford Education Association President Molly Phalen wouldn't say what they talked about at that time. Tonight, she said it was there teachers gave their support for a one year contract extension. This evening the board did the same.

The 7-0 decision brought relief to Phalen. She says the union approached the district with the idea to roll over the current deal to June 30, 2011.

"The way the economy is, the way the state is not living up to what it should be doing, we decided this was the best route to go."

The extension continues all terms of the contract including health insurance contributions. Teachers who can see a salary bump will get it. Those who aren't eligible will take a wage freeze. Phalen wasn't sure how many teachers fit into each category. She also said it's not known how many teachers will retire or what staff reductions the district will make.

"We're very pleased that it's happened, and we think it's in the best interest of our students and our staff and the community as a whole," Phalen said.

Superintendent LaVonne Sheffield praised both the Rockford School Board and the REA.

"By agreeing to a one year extension of our teachers' current employment agreement, we are demonstrating with our actions, not simply our words, that our collaboration to transform our schools is serious and genuine," Sheffield states.

She added the deal means negotiations won't get in the way of the district's push for "Race to the Top" funding.

"We will focus our efforts on teaching and learning which is where our efforts should be."

Sheffield also commended District 205's food service workers, who ratified a new contract with the district last week. Tonight, the School Board also approved it.

"We also cannot overlook the cooperation of our food service workers who have joined with our paraprofessionals in accepting an employment contract that freezes wages for the first year of a three year term. Both groups are among our lowest paid employees, yet they've shown wisdom and courage in stepping forward to acknowledge the harsh realities of these times."