D181 School Board, Teachers to Re-enter Negotiations Oct. 12

The District 181 Board of Education will resume mediated negotiation with the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Teachers' Association (HCHTA) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, according to an email from district communications director Rita DuChateau.

HCHTA President Justin Horne said at the board's last meeting the uncertainty caused by the ongoing stalemate is a negative force.

"It is in the best interest of the entire District 181 community that these contract negotiations come to a conclusion," Horne said.

At the last negotiation session Sept. 15, the union submitted an offer that contained the same base salary and step increases it originally desired, but only in the second half of each of the first two years. During the first half of those two years, teacher salaries would be frozen.

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Horne called the offer "reasonable, affordable, and responsible."

Board President Michael Nelson has said the board is taking a "market-based" approach to a new contract in light of today's economic environment.

The only offer the board has made public would freeze teacher salaries in the first year and give step increases only in the second year. In the third year, teachers would receive step increases plus a base increase equal to 50 percent of the CPI.