NAPERVILLE — The Naperville Unit Education Association (NUEA) and Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education (BOE) met with a mediator tonight to continue contract negotiations. The following statement is attributable to NUEA President Ross Berkley:
“We had meaningful discussions tonight and saw positive steps forward. While we are not finished, we are hopeful we can reach an agreement that puts our students first and is equitable for all educators. This community deserves stability in our schools. We are cautiously optimistic that with continued collaboration we can finalize a fair contract that values our educators and supports our students.”
NUEA represents more than 1,500 teachers and licensed staff serving nearly 16,000 students in District 203. The association’s contract expired June 30, leaving teachers without an agreement as the school year begins.
The BOE and NUEA have been bargaining since February. NUEA’s contract expired on June 30, which means teachers are currently working without a contract.
On Aug. 13, NUEA voted to authorize a strike, the earliest the teachers could possibly go on strike is Mon., Aug. 25. The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for Aug. 20-21. More information about negotiations can be found here.
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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
