Grievance
Arbitration Binding — Binding arbitration conducted by American Arbitration Association arbitrator; arbitrator bases decision solely on interpretation of contract terms
Only the Association may submit the grievance to binding arbitration. The arbitrator will base his decision solely upon his interpretation of the meaning or application of the specific terms of this Agreement to the facts of the grievance presented. The arbitrator will have no power to alter, amend, modify or add to the terms of this Agreement.
Other
Assault Battery Reporting — Report assault and battery incidents within 24 hours to principal
Teachers shall report immediately in writing to their principal all cases of assault and/or battery suffered by them in connection with their employment. Such report shall be submitted within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.
Other
Assignment Change Resignation — Teacher may resign without penalty if assignment changed within 30 days of school commencement
If the change in the employee's assignment is made later than thirty (30) days preceding the commencement of the next school term, the employee shall be allowed to resign without penalty if such change is unsatisfactory to the employee.
Workday
Assignment Notice Deadline — Tentative teacher assignments set by May 1st; tentative schedule no later than five faculty working days prior to end of school year
Tentative teacher assignments will be set by May 1st. A tentative schedule will be set no later than five (5) faculty working days prior to the end of the school year.
Other
Association Leave — Association representative excused for no more than three days per school year for conference or business pertinent to association affairs
A representative(s) of the Association will be excused, for no more than three (3) days per school year in the aggregate without loss of salary, providing the association reimburses the District for the entire cost of any substitute teacher(s) needed.
Compensation
Ba Min Salary — $44,595 for BA with 0 experience (2023-24)
Lane A (BS) Experience 0: $44,595; Lane B (BS+8) Experience 0: $46,388; continuing through multiple lanes and experience steps as shown in salary schedule.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — 5.5% increase from 2022-23 salary
All teachers not in the retirement track shall receive a 5.5% increase from their 2022-23 salary and 4.5% for the 2024-2025 school year.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr2 — 4.5% increase for 2024-2025
All teachers not in the retirement track shall receive a 5.5% increase from their 2022-23 salary and 4.5% for the 2024-2025 school year.
Leave
Bereavement Days — Sick leave may be used for funerals of close friends or family members
Sick leave may also be utilized to attend the funeral of a close friend or family member not listed above, provided any such leave for two or more consecutive days or three days in the aggregate per school year must be approved by the Superintendent or designee.
Other
Certification Requirement — All instructional personnel must have active license and be highly qualified; certificate must qualify them for assigned work
All instructional personnel shall have their license active and must be highly qualified. The certificate must qualify them for the work to which they are assigned. Proper certification is the responsibility of the individual teacher.
Other
Class Size Recommendations — Board shall follow State of Illinois recommendations in determining teacher load
The Board shall make every attempt to continue to follow the State of Illinois recommendations in determining the teacher load. Variations may occur due to the differences in length of classes.
Insurance
Cobra Continuation — Insurance continuation for members leaving the district governed by COBRA provisions
Insurance continuation for members of the Association leaving the district for any reason shall be governed by COBRA provisions.
Other
Continuing Employment Notification — Teachers must notify Board in writing by June 1 if not expecting to remain in Somonauk Schools
All teachers shall notify the Board, in writing, not later than June 1 prior to the opening of a school term if he/she does not expect to remain in the Somonauk Schools.
Workday
Contract Days Teacher — Teachers' workday will be from 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Full time teachers shall receive 225 minutes per 5 day week for planning. Teachers' workday will be from 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Workday
Contract Return Deadline — Contract must be returned within 10 days indicating whether teacher expects to return
When a contract is tendered to a teacher, such contract shall be returned to the Board within a period of ten (10) days indicating whether such teacher does or does not expect to return.
Evaluation
Evaluation Cycle Years — Non-tenured teachers formally evaluated at least twice per year during probationary period
A non-tenured employee will be formally evaluated by a qualified administrator not less than twice a year during the employee's probationary period. The initial meeting will take place within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the school year.
Evaluation
Evaluation Steps — Post-evaluation conference must occur within 10 working days of receiving evaluator summary; additional formal observation can be requested within 24 hours
The employee and the evaluator will mutually agree to a date and time for a post observation conference in which to discuss the written summary. This conference must take place within ten (10) working days after the employee has received the written summary from the evaluator.
Other
Fitness Examination — New faculty must present evidence of physical fitness and freedom from communicable disease; cost paid by new faculty member
Each new member of the faculty shall present evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom of communicable disease. Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination made by a physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine and surgery, and be presented by October 1st of the year the teacher is employed. Cost of the initial physical examination shall be paid for by the new faculty member.
Grievance
Grievance Steps — Three-step grievance procedure: Step One to supervisor, Step Two to superintendent, Step Three to binding arbitration
Step One: grievance presented in writing to immediately involved supervisor within ten (10) days. Supervisor arranges meeting within ten (10) days; written response within ten (10) days. Step Two: if unresolved, referred to superintendent within ten (10) days. Step Three: Association may submit to binding arbitration if unsatisfied at Step Two.
Insurance
Health Family Premium Employer Contribution — Board contributes $100 per month toward family portion of health/life insurance
The Board will also contribute an additional $100 per month toward the family portion of the health/life insurance program of the district.
Insurance
Health Insurance While On Leave — Employees on leave of absence eligible to remain on group insurance plan; employee pays entire premium
Employees granted a leave of absence by the Board shall be eligible to remain on the group insurance plan of the district. The employee on leave shall pay the entire premium cost.
Insurance
Health Single Premium — Tax Sheltered Annuity program available to all regular, full-time employees
The Tax Sheltered Annuity program is available to all regular, full-time employees of the Somonauk Public Schools. A representative of a designated insurance company is authorized to counsel with any employee.
Insurance
Health Single Premium Employer Pct — Board pays up to 9% over District's highest deductible individual HSA plan premium
For full-time licensed teachers, the Board will pay the insurance premium up to 9% over the District's highest deductible individual HSA plan or provide that equal amount of money towards a higher cost plan.
Other
Inoculations Provided — Board provides contagious disease inoculations (including Hepatitis B) to all employees
When required by the Board, contagious disease inoculations for all employees (including for Hepatitis B) shall be paid and provided by the Board.
Other
Instructional Coach Info — Information from Instructional Coach not used in teacher evaluation unless independently substantiated by evaluator
Information obtained by the Instructional Coach will not be used in the teacher's evaluation unless independently substantiated by the evaluator.
Workday
Instructional Minutes Day — 225 minutes per 5 day week for planning and preparation time
Full time teachers shall receive 225 minutes per 5 day week for planning. All Association members shall be entitled to unassigned planning and preparation time excluding 1/2 hour duty free lunch.
Compensation
Internal Substitution Limit Per Semester — Teacher not required to accept internal substitution request for more than 225 minutes per semester
Unless specified in a teacher's specific assignment of duties, as outlined in a job description, a teacher shall not be required to accept an administrator's request to serve as a substitute for more than 225 minutes per semester.
Compensation
Internal Substitution Rate — Teachers used as internal substitutes during planning or lunch periods paid at $32 per hour
Teachers used through the internal substitution procedure as substitutes during planning or lunch periods shall be paid at a rate of $32 per hour.
Leave
Jury Duty Salary — Full salary for time served on jury; days not deducted from personal or sick leave
A teacher serving on a jury during his/her scheduled working hours shall receive full salary for the time served on the jury upon surrendering to the Board all payments received for serving as a juror.
Other
Just Cause Requirement — No tenured teacher disciplined without Just Cause. Verbal reprimands not considered discipline.
No tenured teacher will be disciplined without Just Cause. Verbal reprimands will not be considered discipline for the purpose of this definition.
Compensation
Lane Advancement Allowed — Yes, advancement from BA to MS, MS to CAS, or 2nd MS allowed with approved credits or degree
No teacher may be placed in or enter the BS+8, BS+16, BS+24, MS+8, MS+16, MS+24 lanes as these lanes are only open to those teachers who were employed prior to the 2018-2019 school year and hold the respective degree as of January 1, 2018.
Insurance
Life Insurance Amount — Group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 for full-time employees
The Board shall provide each full-time employee with group life insurance in the amount of $50,000.
Compensation
Ma Min Salary — $51,769 for MS with 0 experience (2023-24)
Lane E (MS) Experience 0: $51,769; continuing through MS+8, MS+16, MS+24, and CAS/2nd MS lanes at higher values.
Other
Mediation Impasse — If agreement not reached within 90 days prior to start of school year, either party may declare impasse and call for mediator
If agreement is not reached in all items within ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled start of the forthcoming school year and all items sought to be negotiated had been thoroughly explored without reasonable expectation of reaching agreement, either party may declare to the other, in writing, that an impasse exists and call for the appointment of a mediator.
Other
Negotiations Commencement — Negotiations for successor contract begin no later than April 1 in the year the contract terminates
Negotiations on a successor contract shall begin no later than April 1 in the year in which this contract terminates.
Other
No Lockout — Board agrees there will be no lock out of Association or Association members during agreement term
The Board agrees that there will be no lock out of the Association or Association members during the life of this agreement.
Compensation
Off Schedule Bonus Yr1 — One-time signing bonus up to $1500 for hard-to-fill positions
For positions determined by the Superintendent to be hard to fill, the Superintendent may choose to offer a one-time signing bonus of up to $1500 to the selected applicant, which shall be paid upon beginning to teach at Somonauk.
Leave
Parental Leave Days — Board Paid leave of up to thirty (30) working days for birth or adoption
Any teacher who gives birth (or is the spouse of an individual person who gives birth (biological or otherwise), adopts a child during the term of this Agreement is entitled to Board Paid leave of up to thirty (30) working days.
Leave
Parental Leave Extended Days — Extended to forty (40) days for teachers who physically give birth with medical certification
The 30 days herein may extend up to forty (40) days for a teacher who physically gives birth (i.e., mother only, natural or cesarean) and provides medical certification demonstrating the need for additional recovery.
Workday
Part Time Service Seniority — Full-time tenured teacher changing to part-time retains seniority and tenure rights
Should a full-time tenured teacher choose, with written mutual consent, to change from full-time to no less than half-time employment, the teacher will retain his/her seniority status and tenure rights as provided by the terms of this Agreement.
Leave
Personal Days Annual — 4 days of personal leave at full pay per school year
Full-time teachers shall be granted 4 days of personal leave at full pay per school year, with any unused personal leave days from the previous school year being added to the teacher's accumulated sick leave.
Other
Personnel File Inspections — Employee granted at least two inspection requests per calendar year of personnel file
The employer will grant at least two (2) inspection requests from an Employee in a calendar year, providing the Employee the inspection within seven (7) working days of written request.
Retirement
Post Retirement Contribution 15 20 Years — Teachers with 15-20 years of service receive $5000 non-elective 403(b) contribution
teachers with 15-20 years of service will receive a total of $5000; (2) teachers with 21-25 years of service will receive a total of $7500; and (3) teachers with 26+ years of service will receive a total of $10,000.
Retirement
Post Retirement Contribution 21 25 Years — Teachers with 21-25 years of service receive $7500 non-elective 403(b) contribution
teachers with 21-25 years of service will receive a total of $7500; and (3) teachers with 26+ years of service will receive a total of $10,000.
Retirement
Post Retirement Contribution 26 Plus Years — Teachers with 26+ years of service receive $10,000 non-elective 403(b) contribution
teachers with 26+ years of service will receive a total of $10,000. Such contribution shall be made in accordance with Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Retirement
Pre Retirement Increase Pct — Six percent (6.0%) increase in creditable earnings annually for up to four (4) years while off-schedule
The teacher will remain "off schedule" and receive a six percent (6.0%) increase in creditable earnings over the prior year's total TRS creditable earnings for each year up to four (4) years.
Other
Probationary Non Recommendation — Copy of non-employment recommendation given to teacher prior to administrator submitting to Board; all reasons discussed with teacher beforehand
In all cases where the administrator is considering not recommending a probationary teacher for continued employment status, a copy of the recommendation (evaluation) will be given to the teacher prior to the administrator submitting the recommendation (evaluation) to the Board of Education.
Leave
Professional Leave — Association members appointed/elected to professional education office may be granted professional leave without loss of pay upon approval; compensation for presentations may be retained
Association members may be granted professional leave, including professional presentations, without loss of pay upon approval of the administration. Teachers may retain compensation received for professional presentations.
Other
Proof Of Ability — Employee absent for more than 2 weeks may be required to present written proof of ability to perform duties from authorized physician
An employee who has been absent because of illness for more than two (2) weeks may be required by the superintendent to present written proof of ability to perform his/her duties upon return to work.
Retirement
Retirement Eligibility Years — Minimum 15 years of full-time service required for retirement eligibility
The teacher must have at least 15 years of full-time service as a certified employee in the School District at their expected retirement date.
Retirement
Retirement Pickup Pct — Board shall pick up and pay to TRS up to 9% of teacher's required member TRS contribution
In addition to the teacher's salary, the Board shall pick up and pay to TRS up to 9% of the teacher's required member TRS contribution on the teacher's total creditable compensation.
Retirement
Retirement System — TRS (Teachers' Retirement System)
The teacher must meet the age and service credit requirements of TRS at their retirement date. A teacher who chooses to retire with less than the required age and service credit needed for a full pension may retire with a reduced pension.
Other
Right To Representation — Employee given 24 hours notice of disciplinary meeting and entitled to Association representative
When any employee is required to attend a scheduled meeting with an administrator concerning formal discipline or matter which could adversely affect employment, the employee will be given 24 hours prior written notice of reasons for meeting and entitled to Association representative present.
Compensation
Salary Lanes Count — 9 salary lanes: BS, BS+8, BS+16, BS+24, MS, MS+8, MS+16, MS+24, CAS or 2nd MS
Salary schedule columns represent: A (BS), B (BS+8), C (BS+16), D (BS+24), E (MS), F (MS+8), G (MS+16), H (MS+24), I (CAS or 2nd MS).
Compensation
Salary Steps Count — 23 experience steps from 0 to 22
Salary schedule shows experience steps numbered 0 through 22, providing 23 total steps with salary increments.
Other
Seniority List Publication — Seniority list published 75 days before end of school year; teachers have 30 days to file objections
By 75 days before the end of the school year, annually the Board will publish a seniority list and honorary dismissal list which are prepared according to the provisions herein. Each licensed teacher will have thirty (30) calendar days to file written objections to his/her ranking.
Leave
Sick Days Annual — Teachers with less than five years receive 10 sick days; tiered increase based on experience
Teachers with less than five years in the district will receive 10 sick days each year. Teachers with five or more years in the district, sick leave will be earned according to the following table: Less than 50 (18); 51-100 (20); 101-200 (22); 201 or more (25).
Leave
Sick Leave Max Days — Maximum accumulated sick leave of 360 days
Unused sick days accumulate to a maximum balance of 360 days. Should a teacher accumulate more than 360 sick days, they may choose to redeem days in excess of 360 at a rate of $50 per day.
Other
Staff Relations Team — Joint administrative-faculty committee established for educational program discussion; at least 4 meetings scheduled annually unless mutually agreed unnecessary
A joint administrative-faculty committee shall be established to discuss items which concern the educational program in the district. At least four meetings shall be scheduled throughout the year unless it is agreed upon and documented by the Superintendent and President of the Association that the meetings are not necessary.
Compensation
Step Increase — Horizontal advancement on salary schedule based on education credit and experience
A teacher may qualify for advancement on the salary schedule (BS to MS, MS to CAS or 2nd MS) by earning approved undergraduate or graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university, or by completing an advanced degree.