After several months of negotiations, the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors approved a new three-year contract for the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 604 at last night’s Board of School Inspectors Meeting. The three-year wage settlement provides teachers with a total wage increase of 15% over three years.
Under the new contract, starting pay for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and no experience is $47,593. The new agreement is retroactive to the beginning of this school year. This settlement allows District 86 to remain competitive in its ability to attract and retain quality teachers especially during this period of teacher shortages. Earlier this year, pay for District 86 substitute teachers was increased to $200 a day.
“I am pleased we were able to agree on a contract,” said Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse. “Our teachers work hard throughout the year to provide a safe and high-quality education for our students.”
The union represents approximately 750 teachers.