Leave
Adoption Leave — Adoption leave available; procedures and requirements for parental leave apply
Any teacher desiring adoption leave as a result of becoming an adoptive parent shall notify the Superintendent or his/her designee in writing upon the initiation of such adoption proceedings. The procedures and requirements for parental leave in Section 10.3 apply to adoption leave.
Leave
Advanced Study Leave — 1 year leave of absence for advanced study; may be renewed for 1 additional year with Board approval
Leaves of absence without salary for advanced study, exchange, or foreign professional service are granted to tenured teachers after written application and administrative recommendation. Such leave is for one year but may be renewed for not more than one additional year.
Grievance
Arbitration Binding — binding arbitration through American Arbitration Association
If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Step C or the time limits expire without the issuance of the Superintendent's written reply, the Association may submit the grievance to binding arbitration. The American Arbitration Association shall act as the administrator of the proceedings.
Grievance
Arbitration Cost Allocation — Each party bears cost of its own representation; arbitrator and AAA costs divided equally between parties
Each party shall bear the full costs for its representation in the arbitration. The cost of the arbitrator and the American Arbitration Association shall be divided equally between the parties.
Grievance
Arbitration Filing Deadline — Demand for arbitration must be filed within 20 days of receipt of Step B answer
If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Step C or the time limits expire without the issuance of the Superintendent's written reply, the Association may submit the grievance to binding arbitration. The American Arbitration Association shall act as the administrator of the proceedings. If a demand for arbitration is not filed within twenty (20) days of the receipt of the Step B answer, then the grievance shall be deemed withdrawn.
Grievance
Arbitrator Authority Limits — Arbitrator has no power to alter Agreement terms; authority strictly limited to deciding issues presented; decision based only on Agreement language
The arbitrator shall have no power to alter the terms of this Agreement. His/her authority shall be strictly limited to deciding only the issue or issues presented to him by the Board and the Association, and his/her decision shall be based only upon interpretation of the meaning or the application of the express relevant language of this Agreement.
Other
Assignment Notification Deadline — Teachers given written notice of assignment changes prior to end of school term if known; if unacceptable, right to resign without prejudice within 30 days
Teachers shall be given written notice of a change in their assignment for the forthcoming year prior to the end of the school term if such change in assignment shall be then known. If such change is not acceptable to the teacher, he/she shall be allowed to resign without prejudice in thirty days.
Other
Association Leave — Four (4) days per year for Association representatives to attend local, state or national conferences or business
In the event that the Association desires to send representatives to local, state or national conferences, or on other business pertinent to Association affairs deemed to benefit the district, these representatives shall be excused without loss of salary.
Other
Association Meeting Space — Right to hold general membership meetings before or after school on school district property
The Association shall have the right to hold general membership meetings before or after school on school district property provided such meetings in no way interfere with any aspect of the total instructional program, and, provided that if such meetings entail additional maintenance or custodial expense, the Association will pay such costs.
Compensation
Ba Max Salary — $102,626
BA step L11 salary: 102,626
Compensation
Ba Min Salary — $48,836 (Step 1, BA lane, 2023-2024)
Step 1, BA column shows salary of 48,836 in 2023-2024 salary schedule.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — See Appendix A salary schedule
The salary schedules for the 2023-2024 through the 2027-2028 school years are attached in Appendix A.
Leave
Bereavement Days — 2 paid bereavement days for death of relative specified in Section 10.1; up to 10 unpaid under FBLA
Teachers are allowed 2 paid bereavement days for the death of a relative specified in 10.1 Section. The Family Bereavement Leave Act (FBLA) allows for up to ten (10) unpaid bereavement days.
Grievance
Board Hearing Rights — Teacher required to appear before Board for matters affecting continuation of employment or salary must be given notice, may have Association representative, not lose benefits until hearing opportunity
When any teacher is required to appear before the Board, an Administrator or before any Board committee concerning any matter which directly affects the continuation of that teacher's employment, or the teacher's salary and benefits due to suspension or other discipline, the teacher shall be given reasonable prior notice of the reasons for such meeting or interview and shall be entitled to have a representative of the Association present to represent him/her during such meeting or interview. The teacher shall
Other
Board Information Requests — Board shall provide Association with regularly prepared public information for negotiations or grievance processing upon reasonable request
The Board shall provide the Association, in response to reasonable requests therefor, a copy of regularly prepared public information necessary for negotiations or the processing of a grievance, including but not limited to, the current annual audit, the current tentative and adopted budgets, current monthly financial statements, current annual financial report, register of certificated personnel, annual census of pupil membership, provided that an extraordinary cost of preparing any copy shall be born by Association.
Other
Board Minutes Posting — Board meeting minutes available electronically the next business day following approval
A copy of the minutes of all Board meetings shall be available via electronic posting on the next business day following their approval.
Other
Board Notification Meetings — At least 24 hours written or electronic notice of Board meetings to Association President
The President of the Association or his/her designee shall be given written or electronic notice of any regular meeting of the Board other than as normally scheduled and of any special meeting, and a copy of the agenda or statement of purpose of all such Board meetings at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of such meeting.
Other
Building Conditions Committee — Annual committee with building administrator, two teachers, and custodial staff; meets at least once per trimester
Annually, each building will convene a committee comprised of the building administrator, two teachers and the custodial staff. The committee will meet at least once per trimester to discuss the overall condition of the building, specific improvements and staff suggestions.
Other
Bulletin Board Access — Association has right to use bulletin board in each faculty lounge for posting official notices
The Association shall have the right to use a bulletin board located in each faculty lounge for the posting of official Association notices.
Grievance
By Pass Grievance Steps — By mutual agreement, any step of grievance procedure may be bypassed, including submittal directly to arbitration
By mutual agreement, any step of the grievance procedure may be bypassed, including submittal of grievance directly to arbitration.
Other
Class Size Target — Board shall attempt to keep class sizes below 30 students, with lowest class sizes at primary grade levels
The Board shall attempt to keep class sizes below thirty (30) students, with the lowest class sizes at the primary grade levels. Should class size exceed 30, the administration and Association will meet to explore possible solutions for additional support.
Workday
Contract Days Teacher — 7 hours per day
The work day for all teachers shall be 7 hours for the duration of the contract including a duty free lunch of at least 30 minutes, but no less than the lunch period afforded to the students in the building they are assigned.
Other
Contract Distribution — Board must provide copies of Agreement to Association within 30 days of ratification
Within thirty (30) days of the ratification by the Board of the Agreement, the Board shall have sufficient copies of the Agreement prepared and delivered to the Association for its distribution to each teacher. The cost of such materials and their preparation shall be shared equally by the Board and the Association.
Insurance
Dental Coverage — District pays cost of single dental premium for all teachers; family dental coverage — employees pay remaining balance after single premium deducted
For teachers electing health insurance coverage, the district will pay the cost of the premium for single dental for all teachers. Teachers who opt for family dental coverage will pay the remaining balance of the premium after deducting the board paid single premium coverage.
Insurance
Dues Deduction — Board shall deduct current membership dues of Association and its affiliates from teacher pay with written authorization
The Board shall deduct from the pay of each teacher current membership dues of the Association and its affiliates, provided that at the time of such deduction there is in the possession of the Board a current written authorization for dues deduction, voluntarily executed by the teacher.
Insurance
Dues Deduction Revocation Window — Authorization revocable between September 15 and October 20; otherwise not revocable for remainder of school term
Such authorization shall be revocable between September 15 and October 20, of the school term in which dues are to be deducted; otherwise, the authorization shall not be revocable for the remainder of the school term. On receipt of dues revocation, the Board will notify the Association in writing of such dues revocation.
Insurance
Dues Deduction Timing — Dues deduction authorization must be submitted within 10 days for those hired after school term starts
Teachers employed after the school term shall have ten (10) teacher employment days in which to submit their dues reduction authorization form. Dues deduction shall commence with the second paycheck, after submission of authorization and shall be prorated through May.
Insurance
Dues Remittance Timeline — All dues deducted shall be remitted to Association treasurer within 10 days
All dues deducted by the Board shall be remitted to the treasurer of the Association within ten (10) days after such deductions are made.
Evaluation
Evaluation Cycle Years — Evaluations conducted per Palos Heights School District 128 Teacher Evaluation Plan and Section 24A-5 of Illinois School Code
Evaluations shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures and timelines set forth in the Palos Heights School District 128 Teacher Evaluation Plan, as well as Section 24A-5 of the Illinois School Code.
Evaluation
Evaluation Notification — Written notice of evaluation procedures provided by first day of student attendance; revised evaluation plan must be provided to all teachers
By the first day of student attendance each school term, the Superintendent and/or designee shall provide written notice of the evaluation procedures. If the evaluation plan is revised, a copy of the revised evaluation plan will be provided to all teachers.
Other
Expedited Arbitration Option — If mutually agreed, expedited arbitration rules of American Arbitration Association may be followed instead of regular rules
If mutually agreed, the expedited arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association shall be followed instead of the regular rules of the AAA.
Leave
Fmla Eligibility — 12 weeks of unpaid leave available under FMLA
To the extent employees are eligible, they may also use 12 weeks of leave pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
Grievance
Grievance Administrator Level — Grievance involving administrator above building level may be initially filed at Step B
A grievance involving an administrator above the building level may be initially filed at Step B under Section 8.4 above.
Grievance
Grievance Definition — Alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of specific Agreement provisions
A grievance shall mean only a complaint of an alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of any of the specific provisions of this Agreement.
Grievance
Grievance Filing Deadline — Grievance must be filed within 20 days of occurrence or when occurrence may reasonably have been ascertained
The initiation of this grievance procedure other than the informal procedure described in Section 8.4 below shall be conditioned upon the filing of the formal grievance in writing within twenty (20) days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the grievance or within twenty (20) days of when the occurrence may reasonably have been ascertained.
Grievance
Grievance Records Separation — All grievance records shall be filed separately from personnel file
All records related to a grievance shall be filed separately from the personnel file of the employee.
Grievance
Grievance Steps — Step A (supervisor), Step B (Superintendent), Step C (Board of Education), Step D (binding arbitration)
The parties acknowledge that it is usually most desirable for an employee and the employee's immediately involved supervisor to resolve problems through free and informal communications. When requested by the employee, an Association representative may accompany the employee to assist in the informal resolution of the grievance.
Grievance
Grievance Withdrawal — Grievance may be withdrawn at any level through Step B without establishing precedent
A grievance may be withdrawn at any level through Step B without establishing precedent.
Insurance
Health Family Premium — HMO Family: 90% Y1, 87.5% Y2, 85% Y3-5; PPO Family: 85% Y1, 82.5% Y2, 80% Y3-5
District responsibility for health insurance: HMO Family 90% Year 1, 87.5% Year 2, 85% Years 3-5; PPO Family 85% Year 1, 82.5% Year 2, 80% Years 3-5.
Insurance
Health Single Premium — HMO Single: 100% Y1, 95% Y2-5; PPO Single: 95% Y1, 92.5% Y2, 90% Y3-5
District responsibility for health insurance premium costs: HMO Single 100% Year 1, 95% Years 2-5; PPO Single 95% Year 1, 92.5% Year 2, 90% Years 3-5.
Insurance
Hsa Employer Contribution — Waiver benefit: $2,500 or maximum amount not requiring board to pay additional tax/penalty under Affordable Care Act, whichever is less
Teachers who do not take Board offered insurance will receive the sum of $2,500 or the maximum amount that would not require the Board to pay any additional tax, or penalty under the Affordable Care Act or its regulations, whichever is less, payable throughout the regular payroll schedule.
Workday
Instructional Minutes Day — Equitable weekly planning time provided; daily planning time not guaranteed but reasonable effort made
All teachers will be provided with equitable weekly planning time according to grade level assignments. Daily planning time may not be possible, but reasonable effort will be made to schedule it.
Other
Involuntary Transfer Notice — Teachers affected by involuntary transfer notified as promptly as possible and afforded conference opportunity
Any teacher affected by an involuntary transfer shall be notified as promptly as possible and shall be notified of and afforded an opportunity to have a conference with an appropriate administrator to discuss the reasons for the transfer before the transfer occurs.
Leave
Jury Duty Pay — Board pays regular salary for jury duty on teacher workday; teacher retains monies received
The Board shall pay the regular salary to a teacher called to serve on Jury Duty on a teacher workday. The teacher shall retain any monies received for such service.
Compensation
Lane Advancement Allowed — Master's Degree or higher may receive reimbursement for approved graduate or undergraduate courses supporting additional licensure or instructional area of expertise
Tenured teachers with a Master's Degree or higher may receive reimbursement for approved graduate courses or undergraduate courses that support an additional licensure endorsement or instructional area of expertise.
Leave
Leave Return Notice Requirement — 30 days notice required before return from leave
In all instances where a leave has been granted under this Article, and as a condition thereof, a teacher is required to advise the Superintendent no later than thirty (30) days prior to the return date that he/she intends to return to employment.
Compensation
Ma Max Salary — $107,330
MA step L11 salary: 107,330
Compensation
Ma Min Salary — $52,021 (Step 1, MA lane, 2023-2024)
Step 1, MA column shows salary of 52,021 in 2023-2024 salary schedule.
Other
Mid Term Bargaining Waived — Board and Association waive right to negotiate mid-term agreements during term of agreement
The Board and the Association, for the life of this Agreement, each waive the right which might otherwise exist to negotiate any further items or agreements effective for, or during the term of this Agreement.
Other
No Discrimination Union — Board shall not discriminate against teachers based on Association membership or participation in negotiations or grievances
The Board shall not discriminate against any teacher with respect to hours-wages, terms, or conditions of employment by reason of his/her membership in the Association, or in negotiations with the Board, nor shall the Board discriminate against any teacher for his/her institution of any grievance, complaint, or proceeding under this Agreement.
Grievance
No Lockout Clause — Board shall not authorize lockout of bargaining unit members during agreement term
During the term of this Agreement, the Board shall not authorize any lock out of members of the bargaining unit.
Grievance
No Reprisals Grievance — No reprisals shall be taken against teacher because of participation in grievance
No reprisals shall be taken by the Board or the Association against any teacher because of the employee's participation in a grievance.
Grievance
No Strike Clause — Neither Association nor bargaining unit members will strike or picket during agreement term
During the term of this Agreement neither the Association nor any member of the bargaining unit will withhold services in the form of a strike, or by means of picketing which interferes with the operation of the schools.
Compensation
Off Schedule Bonus Yr1 — Years of Service Stipend starting Year 15: $150, increasing $150 annually, capped at $1,800
Starting when a teacher reaches Year 15 on the salary schedule, that teacher will receive a stipend in addition to their salary. The stipend will be paid in a lump sum at the end of each school year and will not compound. The stipend will be $150 in year 15 and increase by $150 for each additional year of service. This stipend will be capped at $1,800 each year.
Other
Parental Complaint Investigation — Principal must investigate parental complaint and communicate with teacher before taking final disciplinary action
If a Principal receives a complaint from a parent about a teacher which the Principal believes will likely result in disciplinary action, the Principal will investigate the complaint and communicate with the teacher regarding the complaint before taking any final disciplinary action.
Leave
Parental Leave Application Notice — 90 calendar days notice required for unpaid parental leave
The teacher shall apply for parental leave in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee at least ninety (90) calendar days before the child's due date along with a written statement from her obstetrician or physician.
Leave
Parental Leave Paid Days — Up to 30 days of paid sick leave available for birth and medical reasons associated with pregnancy
Paid and unpaid leave are available for teachers expecting children. Employees may use up to thirty (30) days of paid sick leave for the birth of a child and may use any accrued sick leave for any medical reason associated with pregnancy or the birth of a child.
Leave
Personal Days Annual — 3 days per school year; 4th day available if 5 or fewer sick days used
Each teacher shall be entitled to three (3) days of personal business leave without loss of pay. If a teacher uses five (5) days of sick leave or less in a school year, he or she will receive a fourth personal day.
Other
Pre Retirement Consultation — Board provides pre-retirement consultation between Oct 31 and Dec 15 annually for eligible teachers
Between October 31st and December 15th of every school year, the District, in cooperation with the Association, shall provide individual pre-retirement consultations upon request for eligible teachers within 5 years of retirement eligibility.
Other
President Released Time — Association President shall be granted released time for meetings with district personnel on PHEA concerns or issues
The Board/Administration shall continue its practice of releasing the President of the Association to meet with district personnel in situations, which, in the opinion of the Board/Administration, warrant immediate attention. PHEA President(s) shall also be granted release time if there is a mutually identified need to address local PHEA concerns or issues.