Other
Academic Freedom — Parties seek to educate in democratic tradition fostering individual freedom and social responsibility; instructional materials and discussions pertinent to subject and level taught within normal approved procedures
The parties seek to educate young people in the democratic tradition... It is recognized that instructional materials to be used and discussions to be held shall be pertinent to the subject and level taught within the appropriate planned instructional program, if any, as determined by normal procedures as approved by the Board.
Leave
Additional Paid Days Nurses Counselors Coordinators — 5-10 additional days for Certified School Nurses, Counselors, and Special Education Coordinators
Certified School Nurses and School Counselors at the middle and high school levels, as well as Special Education Coordinators, shall have at least five (5) additional days,(outside the school calendar) up to ten (10) to be paid per diem.
Leave
Additional Paid Days Social Workers — Up to 3 additional days for High School and Middle School social workers
High School and Middle School social workers can have up to (3) additional days, (outside of the school calendar) to be paid per diem with administrative approval
Leave
Additional Paid Days Technology Specialists — 5-10 additional days (outside school calendar) for Technology Specialists
Technology Specialists shall have at least five (5) additional days, (outside the school calendar) up to ten (10) to be paid per diem with administrative approval.
Other
Administrative Assignments — Teachers not placed in administrative capacity to evaluate other teachers; no solicitation for formal/informal evaluations
At no time shall Association members be placed in an administrative capacity to evaluate other Association members or be solicited by a building administrator for formal and/or informal evaluations.
Other
Administrative Incident Report — Administrative incident reports must be disclosed to paraeducator via email and discussed within 3 school days; investigation required before personnel file entry
An administrative incident report about a Paraeducator shall be made known to such Paraeducator through notification (email) and discussed with the Paraeducator at a meeting held within three (3) school days of the incident.
Other
Administrative Responsibilities Undesirable — Board acknowledges it is undesirable to require teacher to assume administrative responsibilities on continuing basis as teachers not fully trained or accredited for such
The Board acknowledges that it is undesirable to require a teacher to assume administrative responsibilities and duties on a continuing basis inasmuch as teachers are not fully trained or accredited to perform such.
Leave
Adoption Leave — Teachers who adopt a child qualify for child-rearing leave with notice upon application for adoption
A teacher who shall adopt a child shall likewise qualify for a child-rearing leave as hereinbefore set forth, except that the initial notice to the Superintendent shall be given upon making of application for adoption. This paragraph shall not be applicable to the adoption of a child who at the time is more than six (6) years of age and attending school full time.
Other
Adverse Criticism Materials Notice — Board must give Association 30 calendar days notice of intent to alter policy on adverse criticism of instructional materials
Board agrees existing policy on adverse criticism of instructional materials shall not be altered without first giving Association thirty (30) calendar days notice of intention and opportunity to meet with Board committee.
Evaluation
Adverse Informal Observation Notification — Adverse informal observations discussed with teacher within ten school days following the informal observation
Any adverse informal observations which may be used in the summative evaluation of the teacher shall be discussed with the teacher within ten (10) school days following the informal observation.
Evaluation
Adverse Informal Observation Timeline — Adverse informal observations discussed within 10 school days; written report provided within 10 school days
Any adverse informal observations to be used in summative evaluation discussed with teacher within ten (10) school days following the informal observation. Written informal observation report provided within ten (10) school days.
Other
Agreement Duration — July 31, 2018 to July 31, 2021
This Agreement shall be effective July 31, 2018 and shall continue until July 31, 2021.
Other
Agreement Effective Date — August 13, 2022
This Agreement shall be in effect as of August 13, 2022, and shall continue in full force and effect until August 12, 2027.
Other
Agreement Execution Date — June 14, 2022
This agreement is entered into this 14th day of June, 2022 by and between the Board of Education of Sycamore Community Unit School District No. 427 and the Sycamore Education Support Staff Association.
Other
Agreement Expiration Date — August 12, 2027
This Agreement shall be in effect as of August 13, 2022, and shall continue in full force and effect until August 12, 2027.
Other
Agreement Preparation Timeline — Association shall prepare contract within 30 days of Board approval; Board shall compile and deliver within 30 days (300 copies total to teachers and 50 to Board)
Within thirty (30) days of Board approval of the Professional Agreement, the Association shall prepare the contract after which the Board shall compile and deliver within thirty (30) days three hundred (300) copies to the teachers and fifty (50) copies to the Board.
Other
Annuity Payment Deduction — $20.00 minimum monthly payment to approved company
Upon request of a teacher, the Board will deduct from a teacher's salary annuity payments to a company approved by the Board where the total monthly payment to the company(ies) is $20.00 or more per month.
Other
Applicant Notification Deadline — Bargaining Unit member who applied for vacant position notified within 7 business days of Board's hiring decision
Any Bargaining Unit member who has applied for a vacant position within the District will be notified by administration regarding the position within seven (7) business days of the Board's hiring decision.
Grievance
Arbitration Binding — Arbitration is final and binding
If the Association is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Step 2, or the Step 2-time limits expire without the issuance of the Superintendent's written answer then the Association may submit the grievance to final and binding arbitration.
Grievance
Arbitration Cost Split — Cost of arbitrator and American Arbitration Association divided equally between parties
The cost of the arbitrator and the American Arbitration Association will be divided equally between the parties.
Other
Area Of Deficiency Notification — Administrator shall convey concerns about performance deficiency within 2 school days
If an Administrator observes an area of deficiency in a Paraeducators performance at anytime during an informal observation, the Administrator shall convey their concerns regarding these observations to the Paraeducator's attention within two (2) school days.
Workday
Arrival Before Start — Teachers not required to arrive more than 30 minutes prior to start of normal student school day
Teachers shall not be required to arrive at school more than thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the normal student school day.
Leave
Assault Leave No Deduction — Work time lost to assault injury results in no time loss of wages; subpoena appearance has no time loss
Work time lost to the teacher as a result of personal emotional/physical injury due to such assault shall result in no time loss of wages to the teacher and shall not be charged to the teacher's sick or personal leave account. Subpoena appearance results in no time loss of wages.
Other
Assignment Notification — Administration shall notify teachers in writing of tentative programs by May 15th of current year
The administration shall notify teachers (including those teachers returning from leave), in writing, of their tentative programs for the coming year by May 15th of the current year.
Other
Assignment Notification Deadline — Administration shall notify teachers of tentative teaching assignment by May 15th of current year
The administration shall notify teachers (including those teachers returning from leave), in writing, of their tentative teaching assignment for the following school year by May 15th of the current year.
Other
Association Board Meeting Notice — Association President or designee receives written notice of regular and special board meetings
The President of the Association or his/her designee shall be given written notice of any regular meetings of the Board held other than as normally scheduled and of any special meetings.
Other
Association Bulletin Board — Association right to post reasonable volume of notices on teacher bulletin boards, at least one in each building
The Association shall have the right to post a reasonable volume of notices of its activities and matters of Association concern on teacher bulletin boards, at least one of which shall be provided in each school building.
Other
Association Bulletin Board Use — Association has right to post reasonable volume of notices on teacher bulletin boards
The Association shall have the right to post a reasonable volume of notices of its activities and matters of Association concern on teacher bulletin boards, at least one of which shall be provided in each school building.
Other
Association Bulletin Boards — Association may post notices on faculty lounge bulletin boards; at least one bulletin board per building
The Association shall have the right to post a reasonable volume of notices of its activities and matters of Association concern on faculty lounge/workroom bulletin boards, at least one of which shall be provided in each building.
Other
Association Distribution Materials — Association shall have right to distribute reasonable number of announcements through District delivery service, Paraeducator mailboxes, or e-mail
The Association shall have the right to distribute a reasonable number of appropriate announcements through the District delivery service, Paraeducator mailboxes, or e-mail. Upon request, a copy of any item so distributed shall be given to the Superintendent.
Other
Association Dues Deduction — Membership dues deducted from salary in 18 equal installments from September 15 to May 30; authorization remains in effect year to year unless revoked between June 1 and September 1
The Board shall deduct one-eighteenth (1/18) of such dues from each salary check of the Paraeducator for eighteen (18) pay periods, with the first deduction on September 15 and the final deduction on May 30 of each year. Such authorization shall remain in effect from year to year unless revoked in writing between June 1 and September 1 of any year.
Other
Association Facilities Use — Reasonable use of school facilities for general membership meetings with conditions
The Association shall be provided reasonable use of meeting space in school facilities for general membership meetings provided: 1) an Association written request is made to the building principal or designee in advance of the meeting; 2) such meeting space is available; 3) such meeting neither interferes with instructional programs; 4) the Association promptly reimburses the Board for damages and reasonable maintenance costs.
Other
Association Inter School Delivery — Association may distribute reasonable announcements through district delivery service, paraeducator mailboxes, or email
The Association shall have the right to distribute a reasonable number of appropriate announcements through the District delivery service, Paraeducator mailboxes, or email. Upon request, a copy of any item so distributed shall be given to the Superintendent.
Other
Association Leave — Minimum of 15 days in any school term for association representatives to attend 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, these representatives shall be excused without loss of salary for an aggregate amount of at least fifteen (15) days in any school term.
Leave
Association Leave Annual — If a Bargaining Unit Member is elected or appointed to a state or national office or committee affiliated with the Association, the Board shall grant to him/her a maximum of five (5) leave days with pay for conducting state or national association business.
In the event a Bargaining Unit Member is elected or appointed to a state or national office or committee affiliated with the Association, the Board shall grant to him/her a maximum of five (5) leave days with pay.
Other
Association Leave Conferences — Up to two (2) days per individual for local, state, or national conferences
In the event that the Association desires to send representatives to local, state or national conferences or on other business pertinent to Association affairs, these representatives shall be excused without loss of salary, limited to five (2) days per individual. Additional days shall require Superintendent approval. A written notification of leave shall be submitted to the Superintendent at least four (4) school days prior to the use of any of the leave days provided for in this section.
Other
Association Leave Days — Four school days per year for Association President, Vice President, and negotiating team to conduct Association business
The Association President, Vice President, and negotiating team will be granted four school days each to be used to conduct meetings and work of the Association.
Other
Association Leave Per Individual — Limited to three (3) days per individual unless approved by Superintendent
limited to three (3) days per individual unless approved by the Superintendent. A written notification of leave shall be submitted to the Superintendent for (4) school days prior to the use of any of the leave days provided for in this section.
Other
Association Meeting Space — Association not denied reasonable use of school meeting space for general membership meetings if requested in advance, space available, non-interfering, and maintenance costs reimbursed
The Association shall not be denied reasonable use of meeting space in school facilities for general membership meetings provided: 1) an Association written request is made to the building principal or designee in advance of the meeting; 2) such meeting space is available; 3) such meeting neither interferes with instructional and extracurricular programs nor conflicts with school events or Employees' assignments; and 4) the Association promptly reimburse the Board for any damages and reasonable maintenance costs.
Other
Association Meetings — Reasonable use of school facilities for general membership meetings
The Association shall not be denied reasonable use of meeting space in school facilities for general membership meetings provided: 1) an Association written request is made to the building principal or designee in advance of the meeting; 2) such meeting space is available; 3) such meeting neither interferes with instructional and extracurricular programs nor conflicts with school events or Employees' assignments; and 4) the Association promptly reimburses the Board for any damages and reasonable maintenance costs.
Other
Association Member Evaluation Prohibition — Association members shall not be placed in administrative capacity to evaluate other Association members or solicited for formal/informal evaluations of teaching performance
At no time shall Association members be placed in an administrative capacity to evaluate other Association members or be solicited by a building administrator for formal and/or informal evaluations of another Association member's teaching performance.
Other
Association Member Notification — Board provides Association with names and addresses of newly hired bargaining unit members within 10 school days
Within ten (10) school days following Board action, the Board shall provide the Association with the names and addresses of Employees recently hired in the bargaining unit.
Other
Association New Personnel Notification — Board provides names and addresses of newly hired bargaining unit members to Association within 10 school days
Within ten (10) school days following Board action, the Board shall provide the Association with the names and addresses of Employees recently hired in the bargaining unit.
Other
Association President Leave — Association President, Vice President, and negotiating team granted four school days each to conduct meetings and work
The Association President, Vice President, and negotiating team will be granted four school days each to be used to conduct meetings and the work of the Association. Such time may be divided into half days at the discretion of the president or vice president based on need. Substitutes for this time will be paid by the Association.
Other
Association President Release Time — Association President and Vice President granted four school days each to conduct association business
The Association President and Vice President will be granted four school days each to be used to conduct meetings and the work of the Association. Such time may be divided into half days at the discretion of the president or vice president based on need. Substitutes for this time will be paid by the Association.
Other
Association Professional Contract — Board prepares contract copies within 30 days of Board approval for executive board members, negotiating team, building representatives, building libraries, and newly hired paraeducators
Within thirty (30) days of Board approval of the Agreement, the Board shall prepare the contract and compile sufficient copies to deliver a copy to each SESSA executive board member, each member of the negotiating team, each building representative, and each building library. The Board will also provide each newly employed Paraeducator with a copy of the contract.
Other
Association Representative Required — Teacher entitled to have Association representative present at disciplinary meeting
The teacher shall be entitled to have a representative of the Association present at such meeting.
Compensation
Ba Max Salary — $51,098.90 with Board Paid TRS contributions for 2026-2027
For the 2026-2027 school year, the base salary shall be increased by $5,674.51, equaling $46,500.00 without TRS contributions, $51,098.90 with Board Paid TRS contributions.
Compensation
Ba Min Salary — Tutoring compensation for homebound or hospitalized students
Association members providing tutoring for homebound or hospitalized students shall be compensated at a rate of $55.00 per hour.
Other
Bargaining Unit Membership Requirement — Any certified employee employed for a period of ninety (90) consecutive school days or one (1) semester or more to fill a vacancy shall be a member of the bargaining unit.
Any certified employee who is employed for a period of ninety (90) consecutive school days or one (1) semester or more to fill a vacancy due to resignation, death, or a leave of absence shall be a member of the bargaining unit.
Other
Bargaining Unit Recognition — Board recognizes Sycamore Education Association as sole exclusive bargaining agent for all full and part-time licensed employees
The Board of Education of Community Unit District No. 427, DeKalb and Kane Counties, Illinois recognizes the Sycamore Education Association as the sole exclusive bargaining agent for all full and part-time employees
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr1 — Retirement incentive capped at 6% annual increase maximum
Notwithstanding any contrary or other provision of this contract that would annually increase compensation by more than six percent (6%), the teacher/member shall only receive the maximum six percent (6%) allowed under this provision.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr2 — $6,500.00 base salary increase for 2027-2028 school year
For the 2027-2028 school year, the base salary shall be increased by $6,500.00, equaling $53,000.00 without TRS contributions, $58,241.75 with Board Paid TRS contributions.
Compensation
Base Salary Increase Yr3 — Base hourly rate increase of 3% for 2024-2025 school year
For the 2024-2025 school year, the base hourly rate from the paraprofessional's prior school year rate will increase by 3%.
Other
Before After School Activity Rate — Before/after school activity pay rate of $15 per hour minimum
SESSA members who work any before or after school activity shall be paid at the rate of $15 per hour, or other agreed upon amount not to be less than $15 per hour.
Leave
Bereavement Days — One (1) paid professional leave day for Veteran's Day observance when it falls on a school day
One (1) paid professional leave day for the observance of Veteran's Day (November 11) when it falls on a school day and said leave will be used for educational purposes; or One (1) personal leave day for the personal observance of Veteran's Day (November 11) when it falls on a school day.
Other
Board Agenda Items — Association may submit items for Board agenda by transmitting in writing to Superintendent at least seven (7) calendar days prior to meeting
The Association may submit items for inclusion on the agenda of the next regular Board meeting by transmitting these in writing to the Superintendent at least seven (7) calendar days prior to such meeting.
Other
Board Defense Indemnity — In lawsuits from incidents within scope of employment, Board shall defend and indemnify teacher
As may be required by section 5/ of The School Code of the State of Illinois, in lawsuits resulting from incidents in which the teacher acts within the scope of their employment, the Board shall defend and indemnify the teacher.
Other
Board Examination Authority — Board reserves right to require confidential physical or mental examination at any time for consideration of continuation of employment; expenses incurred by Board
The Board reserves the right to require a confidential physical or mental examination at any time for consideration of continuation of employment. Any expenses for such examinations will be incurred by the Board.
Other
Board Meeting Notice — Association president given written notice of Board meetings 24 hours before meeting via District electronic mail
The president of the Association and the president's designee shall be given written notice of any regular meetings of the Board held other than as normally scheduled and of any special meeting. Such notice shall be delivered by District electronic mail no later than 24 hours before such meeting.