McHenry Community High School District 156 Board of Education members approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the District 156 Educational Support Professionals Association that includes a 4.9 percent average hourly rate increase over four years.
The new 4-year agreement starts this year and runs through the 2025-2026 school year.
The ESP Association ratified the agreement on Aug. 11 and the board of education approved the agreement at its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug 15. This is the second collective bargaining agreement for the ESP Association since the support staff voted to organize in April 2018.
“We are happy to have an agreement in place with our support staff association that is fiscally responsible and sustainable while ensuring our staff members feel valued and supported for the work they do with our students and teachers every day,” said Dr. Ryan McTague, District 156 superintendent. “The agreement was built on a solid foundation of respect and collaboration throughout the negotiation process and will allow us to remain highly competitive with other districts so we can attract and retain our support staff members.”
The new agreement includes a 4.9 percent average hourly rate increase over four years and some adjustments to starting salaries which also reflect the new minimum wage requirements. Association members will see a reduction to their insurance costs and will maintain the ability to choose a medical insurance plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois that best meets their family needs.