Leave
Accident Injury Leave Paid Days — Up to forty school days compensated without reduction of accumulated sick leave for work-related injury
Up to forty (40) school days will be compensated without reduction of accumulated sick leave. After payment of forty (40) school days, a Teacher may elect for payment to continue for the remainder of the leave with a reduction of one-third (1/3) of a sick day
Other
Agreement Auto Renewal — Shall be automatically renewed year to year thereafter unless either party notifies other in writing no later than March 1, 2030 of desire to modify or terminate
It shall be automatically renewed from year to year thereafter unless either party shall notify the other in writing no later than March 1, 2030, that it desires to modify or terminate this Agreement.
Other
Agreement Reopener Notice Days — Agreement remains in full force after expiration unless either party gives at least ten business days written notice of desire to terminate
Notwithstanding any provision of this Article or Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect after the expiration date and until a new agreement is reached unless either party gives at least ten (10) business days written notice
Other
Agreement Term Effective Date — Effective from day after execution and remains in effect until 11:59 P.M. on June 30, 2030
This Agreement shall be effective from the day after it is executed by both parties and shall remain in effect until 11:59 P.M. on June 30, 2030.
Grievance
Arbitration Binding — Binding arbitration as final step with arbitrator selection from National Academy of Arbitrators panel
The parties will attempt to agree upon an arbitrator within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice of referral. In the event the parties are unable to agree upon the arbitrator within ten (10) days, the parties shall jointly request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board to submit a panel of seven (7) arbitrators.
Grievance
Arbitration Demand Days — If demand for arbitration not filed within 20 days of Step IV answer, grievance shall be deemed withdrawn
If a demand for arbitration is not filed within twenty (20) days of the receipt of the Step IV answer, then the grievance shall be deemed withdrawn.
Leave
Assault Battery Leave Days — Work time lost due to assault/battery within scope of employment result in no wage loss, not to exceed 110 employment days or date of disability qualification.
Work time lost by a teacher because of an assault/battery of the teacher which occurs within the scope of employment and within Board policy shall result in no loss of wages to the teacher, less any salary received from workers' compensation, not to exceed one hundred ten (110) employment days.
Other
Assault Battery Report Procedure — Any alleged assault/battery of teacher shall be promptly reported to Superintendent or designee, and local police.
Any case of alleged assault/battery of a teacher shall be promptly reported to the Superintendent, or his/her designee, and the local police.
Other
Association Leave — Association representatives may use up to 9 days per school term for conferences/business without loss of salary
These representatives shall be excused without loss of salary, provided the Association reimburses the Board for the cost of the substitute(s), for an aggregate number of days not to exceed nine (9) in any school term.
Other
Association Leave Restrictions — No more than 3 teachers shall use Association Leave on any workday
No more than three (3) teachers shall use Association Leave on any workday. No more than two (2) teachers from the same building shall use Association Leave on any workday.
Other
Association President Agenda Materials — Board shall provide Association President agenda, materials, and minutes within 1 working day after receipt by Board, but no later than end of regular school day preceding Board meeting
The Board shall provide the Association President or his/her designee the proposed agenda, general supporting materials and approved minutes within one (1) working day after receipt by the Board, but no later than the end of the regular school day preceding the day on which the regular Board meeting is to be held.
Other
Bargaining Unit Scope — full-time and regularly employed part-time certified teachers, school counselors, social workers, school nurse and speech pathologists employed by the District, excluding Superintendent, principals, curriculum director, assistant principals, district level administrators, psychologists, business manager, special education coordinator, substitute teachers, teacher aides, non-certified personnel and supervisory, managerial and confidential personnel
The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the sole negotiating agent for all full-time and regularly employed part-time certified teachers, school counselors, social workers, school nurse and speech pathologists employed by the District, but excluding the Superintendent, principals, curriculum director, assistant principals, district level administrators, psychologists, business manager, special education coordinator, substitute teachers, teacher aides, all non-certified personnel and all supervisory, managerial and confidential personnel
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — $500 per school year additional stipend for personal care duty
A paraprofessional who is regularly assigned the responsibility for providing assistance for toileting/diapering a student, and provides such assistance for at least 75% of the days in the school year, will receive an additional stipend of $500 per school year for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr2 — $550 per school year additional stipend for personal care duty (2027-28 onward)
A paraprofessional who is regularly assigned the responsibility for providing assistance for toileting/diapering a student, and provides such assistance for at least 75% of the days in the school year, will receive an additional stipend of $500 per school year for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, and $550 per school year thereafter.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr3 — 2027-2028: 3.0% increase
2027-2028: 3.0% increase
Leave
Bereavement Days — Sick leave includes death in the immediate family or household
Sick leave shall be interpreted to mean personal illness, mental or behavioral health complications, quarantine at home, serious illness or death in the immediate family or household, or birth, adoption, or placement for adoption.
Leave
Bereavement Distance Extension — Additional 2 days funeral leave if funeral more than 250 miles from residence
In the event that the funeral is more than two hundred fifty (250) miles from the teacher's residence, the teacher shall be entitled to an additional two (2) days funeral leave
Leave
Bereavement Extended Family — One day to attend funeral of aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew
Upon request, a teacher will be granted one (1) day off, to be used in the same school year, without loss of pay to attend the funeral of his/her aunt or uncle (and in-laws of such relationships), niece or nephew.
Other
Board Agenda Distribution — Board shall provide proposed agenda and minutes to Association designee no later than 1 working day after distribution to Board members
The Board shall provide to the Association designee in each attendance center the proposed agenda and a copy of the minutes for all regular and special meetings of the Board no later than one (1) working day after the time such agendas and minutes are distributed to the members of the Board.
Other
Board Appeal Timeline — Upon receipt of Superintendent decision, teacher may submit written request to appeal to School Board within three school days.
Upon receipt of the Superintendent's decision, the Teacher may submit a written request to appeal the transfer to the School Board within three school days.
Other
Board Meeting Request Notice — Association must submit written request at least 3 school days prior to Board meeting for address in executive session
The Board may, at its sole discretion, grant a written request submitted by the Association at least three (3) school days prior to the Board meeting to address the Board in executive session with respect to personnel matters.
Other
Building Meeting Notice — Notification of Association meeting facility use shall be submitted to principal at least 24 hours prior
Notification for such use shall be submitted to the principal of the building at least twenty-four hours prior to the proposed use.
Leave
Child Rearing Leave Adoption — Leave granted upon notification of expected date of child receipt; also granted anytime during first year after de facto custody
Leave shall be granted upon notification to the Superintendent or designee of the date the child is expected to be received. In addition, leaves shall be granted at any time during the first year after receiving de facto custody of a child.
Leave
Child Rearing Leave Duration — One additional school year beyond balance of year in which leave commences
a child-rearing leave shall extend for one additional school year beyond the balance of the year in which it commences, provided that the request for the additional year shall be made by March 1
Other
Class Size Elementary Homeroom — Class size compensation for Elementary Homeroom Teacher is $12/day when class size guidelines are exceeded for 5+ consecutive school days.
If neither a transfer of students nor the provision of a paraprofessional is feasible, then the following compensation shall be paid to the affected teacher: a. Elementary Homeroom Teacher - $12/day (for each day the class size guidelines are exceeded).
Other
Class Size Elementary Specials — Class size compensation for Elementary Specials Teacher is $3/day when class size guidelines are exceeded for 5+ consecutive school days.
b. Elementary Specials Teacher - $3/day (for each day the class size guidelines are exceeded).
Other
Class Size Junior High — Class size compensation for Junior High Teacher is $4/period when class size guidelines are exceeded for 5+ consecutive school days.
c. Junior High Teacher - $4/period (for each period the class size guidelines are exceeded).
Other
Clothing And Jewelry Policy — Clothing and jewelry must be free of vulgar, obscene, profane, sexually suggestive content or drug/alcohol advocacy
Clothing and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures and/or other insignias which may be perceived as vulgar, obscene, profane, sexually suggestive or that advocates prejudice against any group, individual or advocates the use of drugs or alcohol.
Grievance
Complaint Investigation Procedure — Administrator refers complainant to teacher; if unresolved, meeting held between complainant, teacher and administrator; formal investigation if warranted; investigation completed and parties meet.
The administrator will refer the complainant to the teacher and the teacher shall seek to address and remedy the complaint. If the issue is not resolved, a meeting between the complainant, teacher and administrator shall be held.
Grievance
Complaint Notification Timeline — Teacher shall be notified of complaint name and nature within one school day by administrator.
In the event of a complaint, the teacher shall be notified of the name of the complainant and the nature of the complaint within one (1) school day by an administrator.
Workday
Contract Days Teacher — Pay day every two weeks on Friday
Pay day shall be every two (2) weeks on Friday. If a pay day falls on a bank holiday, the pay day will be the day before.
Other
Cress Advisory Committee Meetings — CRESS District Advisory Committee meets at least once every trimester each school year; meetings occur before end of first, second, and third trimesters or more often if needed
Meetings will be held once every trimester each school year. Meetings shall occur before the end of the first, second, and third trimesters or more often if needed.
Other
Crisis Situations Protocol — In event of crisis situation, teachers should refer to Crisis Intervention Plan.
In the event of a crisis situation, teachers should refer to the Crisis Intervention Plan.
Workday
Custodial Shift Options — 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Custodians shall be assigned to one of three shifts as follows: 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Workday
Custodial Work Week Hours — Custodians' normal work week consists of 40 hours, excluding 30-minute duty free meal break
The Custodians' normal work week will consist of 40 hours, excluding a 30-minute duty free meal break each work day. Those 40 hours will be worked eight hours per day on five consecutive days per week.
Leave
Custodian Professional Development — Custodians will receive mandatory and other required trainings during their workday
Custodians will receive mandatory and other required trainings during their workday.
Insurance
Dental Coverage — Employees choosing dental plan responsible for all premium costs
Employees choosing to participate in the District's dental plan shall be responsible for all premium costs.
Other
Detention Assignment — Teachers who assign detentions shall supervise them. Teachers shall not be required to assign or supervise detentions assigned by other teachers.
Teachers who assign detentions shall supervise them. Teachers shall not be required to assign detentions and shall not be required to supervise detentions assigned by other teachers.
Leave
Disability Leave Coverage — Insurance benefits for teachers on disability-related leaves paid in accordance with Section 7.1.C
Insurance benefits for teachers on disability-related leaves shall be paid in accordance with Section 7.1. C (Temporary Disability) of this Agreement.
Grievance
Discipline Board Hearing Association Rep — Teacher may have Association representative present at Board hearing.
The teacher may have an Association representative present at the hearing.
Grievance
Discipline Board Hearing Request — Teacher may request hearing before Board concerning formal disciplinary action within five school days of receipt.
A teacher may request a hearing before the Board concerning a formal disciplinary action within five (5) school days of receipt.
Other
Discipline Committee Composition — Discipline Committee shall consist of not more than six (6) teachers, three (3) parents, three (3) administrators, and a Board Member representative.
A committee of not more than six (6) teachers, three (3) parents, three (3) administrators, and a Board Member representative shall be established annually and maintained to meet and review the discipline policy and to formulate proposals for changes.
Grievance
Discipline Prior Notification — Teacher required to appear before Board for matter resulting in disciplinary action including dismissal recommendation shall receive prior written notification of purpose and entitled to Association representative.
A teacher required to appear before the Board concerning a matter which could result in disciplinary action including a recommendation for dismissal, shall receive prior written notification of the purpose of the meeting and shall be entitled to have an Association representative present.
Other
Discipline Relief Of Responsibilities — Teacher may be relieved of responsibilities with pay during investigation or resolution of incident.
A teacher may be relieved of his/her responsibilities with pay during the investigation or resolution of an incident.
Grievance
Discipline Right To Association Rep — Teacher may have Association representative present at any meeting with Administrator reasonably believed may result in disciplinary action.
A teacher may have a representative of the Association present at any meeting with an Administrator which the teacher reasonably believes may result in disciplinary action being taken.
Other
District Advisory Committee Notice — Whenever possible, District Advisory Committee meeting notice distributed electronically at least 5 days prior
Whenever possible, notice of the meeting will be distributed electronically at least five (5) days prior to the meeting date.
Other
Dues Deduction Submission — Deducted dues shall be forwarded to Association no later than 14 days after deductions are made
The dues and a list of the teachers from whose pay dues have been deducted shall be forwarded to the individual designated by the Association to receive such materials no later than fourteen (14) days after such deductions are made.
Workday
Duty Free Lunch Minutes — 35-minute duty free lunch period; teachers can leave school during lunch if they notify building office before and upon return.
Teachers can leave their schools during their lunch period, provided they notify their building office before leaving and immediately upon their return.
Leave
Educational Improvement Leave — Unpaid leave for tenured teachers for professional study in accredited college or university
Tenured teachers may be granted an unpaid leave of absence for professional study, upon application to the Superintendent, for the purpose of engaging in study reasonably related to his/her professional responsibilities
Other
Employee Dress Custodians — Custodians shall wear District-issued shirts and jackets; work pants purchased by employee; all neat, clean, without holes; safety vests/coats when outdoors
Custodians shall wear District-issued shirts and jackets. Work pants will be purchased by the employee. All clothing shall be neat, clean and without holes. When outdoors, custodians are to wear safety vests/coats.
Other
Employee Dress Paraprofessionals — Employees prohibited from wearing rubber shoe thongs (flip-flops); clothing should be neat and clean with no frayed pants/slacks and no holes
Employees are prohibited from wearing rubber shoe thongs (flip-flops). Clothing should be neat and clean with no frayed pants/slacks and no holes.
Insurance
Employee Premium Share Pct — Board pays 60% of HMO family coverage premium
The Board will pay 60% of the total HMO family coverage insurance premium or the cost of the single HMO premium, whichever is more, for employees electing family coverage.
Other
Equipment Copier Charge — Association shall pay $0.10 per page for copier usage
Authorized Association members shall have the right to use on-site District equipment, such as computers, copiers, and duplicating machines, except for central office equipment, provided notice of such use is given to the administrator responsible for such equipment. The Association shall pay $.10 per page for copier pages.
Evaluation
Evaluation 2015 2016 Plan — Teacher evaluations performed in accordance with 2015-2016 Teacher Performance Evaluation Plan, subsequent amendments, or as otherwise required by Illinois School Code
During the term of this Contract, teacher evaluations will be performed in accordance with the 2015-2016 Teacher Performance Evaluation Plan, subsequent amendments of the Plan, or as otherwise required by the Illinois School Code.
Evaluation
Evaluation Cycle Years — Formal written evaluations at least twice in first year; then at least every other year (bi-annual) after third-year evaluation
Each employee shall be formally evaluated in writing by her/his building supervisor or designee at least twice in the first year of employment including once during the probationary period and once every year for three (3) years thereafter. After the third-year evaluation, the evaluations will be at least every other year (bi-annual).
Evaluation
Evaluation Rating Scale Excellent — Excellent rating scale
Rating Scale: Excellent = 3.5 – 4.0
Evaluation
Evaluation Rating Scale Needs Improvement — Needs Improvement rating scale
Needs Improvement = 2.0 – 2.74
Evaluation
Evaluation Rating Scale Proficient — Proficient rating scale
Proficient = 2.75 – 3.49
Evaluation
Evaluation Rating Scale Unsatisfactory — Unsatisfactory rating scale
Unsatisfactory = 1.0 – 1.99
Other
Extra Duty Assignment Definition — Extra duty assignment shall be defined as those additional supplemental responsibilities beyond the employee's regular duties for which extra stipends are paid and which are identified in the Stipend Schedule.
An 'extra duty assignment' shall be defined as those additional supplemental responsibilities beyond the employee's regular duties for which extra stipends are paid and which are identified in the Stipend Schedule.