109 Proposal Encourages Union President

is encouraged by the School Board’s proposal to break the stalemate on one of the major differences in the ongoing negotiations over the union contract.

The Board said Monday on its website it would suggest to the union the current method of evaluating teacher performance would remain in place for two years and all parties would work together on a new plan for the 2013-14 school year.

The new ideas will be offered to the union negotiating team at today’s previously scheduled bargaining session with a federal mediator.

“I find the Board's statement on the district web site to be encouraging,” Jensen said. “Our negotiating team will need to see the actual proposal before I can comment further. We look forward to discussing this with the Board team.”

The new plan will be developed by a statutorily mandated evaluation committee composed of an equal number of Board and union representatives, according to the statement on the District 109 website.

, one of the negotiators, is also hopeful. “Under the Board’s proposal, the district gains an effective tool for improving teacher performance, teachers are protected and the students of our district will reap the benefits,” he said.

According to the Board ideas, the proposal will meet all current requirements imposed by the State of Illinois. Should the sides be unable to agree, the board wants to see the state’s model put into effect.

Once the two sides agree on teacher evaluations, they must still come to terms on special education, compensation and a few other issues. After today, another mediation session is scheduled Feb. 8.

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