Leave
Advance Study Benefits At Employee Expense — Continuing benefits while on unpaid leave for advanced study at employee's own expense
Continuing benefits while on an unpaid leave of absence for advanced study will be at the employee's expense.
Leave
Advance Study Limit Per Department — Not more than 2 employees may be granted leave in one school year, nor more than 1 from same department, except in emergencies
Not more than two (2) employees may be granted leave in one school year, nor more than one (1) from the same department or teaching area except in case of emergencies.
Leave
Advance Study Priorities — Priorities in order: formal study toward doctorate, specialty program or advanced degree, research work, travel
Leave of absence may be granted for a number of reasons. In general, the following priorities shall prevail in the following order: (a) Formal study at an accredited college or university toward a doctorate (b) Study for a specialty program or advanced degree (c) Research work under the guidance of competent research personnel (d) Travel, either domestic or foreign
Leave
Advance Study Request Deadline — Requests must be submitted by May 1 prior to school year leave is desired
Such requests must be submitted by May 1 prior to the school year the leave is desired. Employees on leave must confirm, via registered mail prior to April 1 of the succeeding year, their intention to return; otherwise, they shall forfeit their status under the continuing contract law.
Leave
Advance Study Return Requirement — Employee agrees to wait 1 school term to return unless another vacancy occurs
If an employee changes their plans after arrangements for a leave of absence have been made and a substitute has been hired, he or she agrees to wait one (1) school term to return to Seneca Township High School, District 160, unless another vacancy occurs into which he or she can be placed.
Other
Appearance And Grooming Standards — Clean appearance and good judgment in choice of clothes and personal grooming required; differences reconciled through conference with Association representation
Employees are expected to keep a clean appearance and use good judgment in the choice of clothes and personal grooming. Differences of opinion on this matter between the employee and Administration shall be reconciled through conference. The employee may have an Association representative at such conference.
Grievance
Arbitration Binding — Final and binding arbitration through Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS)
STEP 3 – If the Association is not satisfied with the Step 2 response, the Association may submit the grievance to final and binding arbitration through the Panel from Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS), which shall act as the administrator of the proceedings.
Other
Assistant Coach Experience Credit — All experience as an assistant coach will apply towards head coach experience level at a 2 to 1 ratio
All experience as an assistant coach will apply towards head coach experience level at a 2 to 1 ratio.
Compensation
Ba Max Salary — Building Technician Level 6: $32.26/hour
Building Tech Level 6: $32.26
Compensation
Ba Min Salary — Housekeeping Level 1: $19.10/hour
Housekeeping Level 1: $19.10
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — Estimated increase from 2027-28 to 2028-29 based on Housekeeping Level 1 wages
Housekeeping Level 1: $19.72 (2027-28) to $20.36 (2028-29); Grounds Level 1: $24.01 to $24.79; Maintenance Level 1: $26.73 to $27.60; Building Tech Level 1: $28.15 to $29.06
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr2 — 16% increase for 4-6 years experience
Experience 4-6 Years: 0.16 multiplier applied to base salary
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr3 — 17% increase for 7-10 years experience
Experience 7-10 Years: 0.17 multiplier applied to base salary
Leave
Bereavement Days — Employees may use up to three (3) days per incident for bereavement leave connected with the death of members of the immediate family
Employees may use up to three (3) days per incident, for bereavement leave connected with the death of members of the immediate family as defined above.
Other
Budget Submission Requirement — Each staff member shall submit a budget for instructional materials, supplies, and equipment for the following school term as directed by the Superintendent with 1 month notice
Each staff member shall submit a budget for instructional materials, supplies, and equipment for the following school term as directed by the Superintendent with 1 month notice for preparation of documents.
Other
Co Curricular Approval Process — Co-curricular assignments will be approved at a regular Board meeting prior to the start of each school year, and will be paid according to Appendix B
Co-curricular assignments will be approved at a regular Board meeting prior to the start of each school year, and will be paid according to Appendix B.
Workday
Contract Days Teacher — Building Services: 260 days per year
Building Services – Building Technician General Maintenance Groundskeeper Housekeeping: 8 hours, 260 days
Other
Course Syllabi Annual Update — Each employee shall submit at least once every year an updated and revised course description, outline and syllabus for courses for which the employee is responsible
Each employee submitting to the principal for review and approval, at least once every year, an updated and revised course description, outline and syllabus for those courses for which the employee is responsible.
Insurance
Dental Coverage — Provided for 260-day and 220-day employees
The Board shall provide group health and accident insurance benefits, dental insurance benefits, and vision care insurance benefits for 260-day and 220-day employees only.
Other
Early Retirement Insurance Coverage — Employees retiring prior to Medicare age receive $4,000 per year for medical coverage
Employees who retire prior to Medicare age, will be paid $4,000 per year to be applied toward their medical coverage and medical expenses.
Evaluation
Evaluation Cycle Years — Employees will be formally evaluated a minimum of one (1) time per fiscal year
Employees will be formally evaluated a minimum of one (1) time per fiscal year by the supervisor/administrator designated in the job description.
Evaluation
Evaluation Shared Responsibility — Primary purpose is to improve quality of instruction; evaluation is shared responsibility between Board and Association
The Board and the Association agree that the primary purpose of evaluating employees is to improve the quality of instruction. The Board and the Association further agree that the evaluation of employees is to be a shared responsibility.
Compensation
Extracurricular Payment Method — Full payment based on completion of assignment in lump sum, contingent on time logs and completed form
Full payment for any extracurricular activity shall be based on completion of the assignment and made in a lump sum payment. Payment is contingent upon receipt of all required time logs and a completed form.
Grievance
Grievance Steps — Three-step grievance procedure: Step 1 Principal/designee, Step 2 Superintendent/designee, Step 3 Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) binding arbitration
STEP 1 – Within ten (10) days of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the grievance, the grievant or the Association shall present the grievance in writing to the principal or designee... STEP 2 – If the grievance is not resolved at Step 1, then the grievant or Association designee may refer the grievance to the Superintendent or designee within ten (10) days after the receipt of the Step 1 response. STEP 3 – If the Association is
Other
Head Coach Experience Credit — All experience as a head coach will apply towards assistant coach level
All experience as a head coach will apply towards assistant coach level.
Insurance
Health Single Premium — Insurance paid fund for employees with outside coverage
260-day and 220-day employees who are covered by health insurance from another source and do not participate in the District's group health insurance plan shall receive a District-paid insurance fund in the amount of $2,500 to pay insurance premiums from another insurance plan, deductibles and other out-of-pocket insurance expenses.
Insurance
Hsa Employer Contribution — For 260-day and 220-day employees electing HSA plan
For those 260-day and 220-day employees who elect the HSA plan, the Board will contribute $1,500 for single elections, $2,500 for employee/spouse and employee/child elections, and $2,500 for family elections to the individual employee's HSA account each year of the contract.
Workday
Instructional Minutes Day — Employees present 10 minutes before first bell, 15 minutes after dismissal time and during passing periods
All employees, except as otherwise provided, will be present on all school days in the building and in the classroom door 10 minutes before the first bell rings, 15 minutes after dismissal time and during passing periods.
Compensation
Lane Advancement Allowed — Maximum 1 year of previous teaching experience credit per calendar year
A maximum of one (1) year teaching credit shall be allowed for any one calendar year.
Leave
Leave Of Absence Advanced Study — Up to 1 year for continuing studies or advancing professional growth with direct relationship to contractual duties
Full-time employees under tenure may be granted a leave of absence for a period not to exceed one (1) year for the purpose of continuing their studies or otherwise advancing their professional growth in a manner which is judged to have a direct relationship to their contractual duties at Seneca High School, upon recommendation of the Administration and subject to approval at the discretion of the Board.
Compensation
Ma Max Salary — MA Step 12 maximum salary
Seneca High School Index 2025-2026: MA Step 12 salary is $84,429.47
Compensation
Ma Min Salary — MA Step 1 minimum salary
Seneca High School Index 2025-2026: MA Step 1 salary is $58,045.26
Other
No Strike Clause — Association, officers, agents, and employees agree not to initiate, promote, sponsor, engage in or condone any strike, slowdown, concerted stoppage, or other intentional interruption of operations
The Association, its officers and agents, and the employees agree not to instigate, promote, sponsor, engage in or condone any strike, slowdown, concerted stoppage of work, or any other intentional interruption of operations during the terms of this contract.
Compensation
Off Schedule Bonus Yr1 — $2,500 horizontal lane movement stipend
Any employee who is off the salary schedule and completes additional coursework that results in horizontal lane movement will receive a stipend of $2,500.00 added to their salary as follows: BA to MA and MA to MA 32.
Compensation
Overload Compensation Rate — One-eighth (1/8) of annual scheduled salary
Any employee teaching an overload shall be compensated at the rate of one-eighth (1/8) of their annual scheduled salary.
Leave
Personal Days Accumulation — Up to 4 personal leave days per year if employee does not use all initial 2 days
Employees not using all of their personal leave days may accumulate a total of four (4) personal leave days per year. The third and fourth days will be granted after the reasons for personal leave have been accepted by the Administration or their designee.
Leave
Personal Days Annual — All employees covered under this agreement shall be provided two (2) paid personal leave days per fiscal year
All employees covered under this agreement shall be provided two (2) paid personal leave days per fiscal year. Personal leave shall be proportionate to the employee's regular workday.
Leave
Personal Days Closed School — No personal leave day charged when school and offices closed by Board or Administration action for entire school day
When the school and school offices are closed by action of the Board or the Administration for the entire school day, no personal leave day shall be charged against the employee.
Leave
Personal Days No Sick Used Bonus — 1 additional personal leave day for use in succeeding school year if no sick leave used in current year
An employee who utilizes no sick leave during a particular school year shall be credited with one (1) additional personal leave day for use in succeeding school year, with the day to be used in accordance with paragraph 1 (a) of the personal leave provisions of this agreement.
Leave
Personal Days Sick Conversion — Unused personal leave days may be accumulated as sick leave days at election of employee
At the election of the employee, the unused personal leave days of the employee may be accumulated as sick leave days rather than carried forward as described above. Said accumulated personal leave days shall be added to any existing sick leave benefits of such employee.
Leave
Professional Dues Deduction — Employee may authorize deduction of Association dues; deductions begin October through April if assignment cards received by September 1; new hires have 30 days from employment date
An employee who is a member of the Association may sign and deliver to the district office an assignment authorizing deduction of Association dues. The Board will deduct monthly dues beginning in October and continuing through April, provided that assignment cards have been received no later than September 1 of year by the district office. Employees hired beyond the deadline date have an additional thirty school days from their date of employment to submit assignment cards.
Other
Retirement Bonus Available — 6% retirement bonus for employees meeting eligibility with proper notice by June 1, 2025
Employees who meet the eligibility requirements and who provide the notice will receive as a retirement bonus a total salary increase of six percent (6%) applied to the total TRS creditable earnings received from the District in the previous school year.
Retirement
Retirement Pickup Pct — Flex fund for retirement: $1,500 (15 years), $2,000 (20 years), $2,500 (25 years)
Full-time employees with at least 15 years of service will be provided a one-time additional flex fund to be applied towards their medical coverage and medical expenses. Reimbursement checks will not be in the form of salary but issued as a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement based on the following table: 15 years=$1,500; 20 years=$2,000; 25 years=$2,500
Retirement
Retirement System — IMRF (implied for support staff classified positions)
Full-time employees with at least 15 years of service will be provided a one-time additional flex fund to be applied towards their medical coverage and medical expenses.
Rif
Rif Recall Years — Honorably dismissed employee must provide written notification within fourteen (14) calendar days of mailing or within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of offer to accept vacant position
To be eligible for recall, the honorably dismissed employee must provide the Board, prior to the last day of employment, with written notification of the address where the employee may be reached. The employee must notify the Board in writing, within fourteen (14) calendar days of mailing or within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the offer, whichever shall first occur, of the acceptance or rejection of any vacant position offered to the employee during the recall period.
Compensation
Salary Lanes Count — 7 position categories
Instructional Aides, Media Aides, Housekeeping, Maintenance (Groundskeeper, General Maintenance, Building Technician), Secretaries 200/220-day, Cafeteria (Dishwasher, Cashier, Cook), Security Monitor
Compensation
Salary Steps Count — Six levels per position
Level 1 through Level 6 for each position classification (Housekeeping, Grounds, Maintenance, Building Tech, Dishwasher, Cashier, Cook, Aides, 200 Secretary, 220 Secretary)
Leave
Sick Days Annual — 10 paid holidays listed for 12-month 260-day employees
New Year's Eve, Good Friday/Easter, Labor Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, Thanksgiving Day, President's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Friday
Leave
Sick Days Annual Enhanced — 18 days in each school year for employees with 20+ years of service with Seneca High School and 200+ accumulated sick days
Employees with twenty (20) or more years of service with Seneca High School and 200 or more accumulated sick days, will be granted sick leave in the amount of eighteen (18) days in each school year.
Leave
Sick Leave Max Days — Unused sick leave has no maximum accumulation
Unused sick leave has no maximum accumulation.
Leave
Sick Leave No Teaching Credit — Employee receiving leave of absence on account of illness shall not receive teaching experience credit for duration of leave but shall retain place on salary schedule
An employee who received a leave of absence on account of illness shall not receive teaching experience credit for the duration of the leave but shall retain their place on the salary schedule.
Leave
Sick Leave Physician Certificate — Board may require physician's certificate as basis for pay on 3rd consecutive day of leave for personal illness, or as deemed necessary
The Board of Education may require a physician's certificate as a basis for pay on the 3rd consecutive day of leave for personal illness, or as it may deem necessary in other cases, or if the treatment is by prayer or by spiritual advisor or practitioner of such person's faith.
Compensation
Step Increase — Movement determined by Administration considering attendance, job courtesy, work habits, attitude, initiative, reliability, motivation, effectiveness, compliance with rules and regulations, and risk management responsibilities
When determining Level placement, the Administration considers things including, but not limited to attendance, job courtesy, work habits, attitude, initiative, reliability, motivation, effectiveness, compliance with the rules and regulations, and compliance with the risk management responsibilities.
Other
Stipend Amounts Not Including Trs — All stipend amounts in schedule do not include TRS
Stipend amounts in above schedule do not include TRS.
Other
Union Workshop Attendance Limit — SEA members are allowed to attend Union workshops and meetings no more than four times a year with no more than two members gone at a time
The SEA members are allowed to attend Union workshops and meetings no more than four times a year with no more than two members gone at a time.
Insurance
Vision Coverage — Provided for 260-day and 220-day employees
The Board shall provide group health and accident insurance benefits, dental insurance benefits, and vision care insurance benefits for 260-day and 220-day employees only.