Springfield District 186 board approves two‑year contract with Springfield Education Association

The Springfield Public Schools District 186 Board of Education voted 5‑0 Aug. 12 to adopt a two‑year collective bargaining agreement with the Springfield Education Association (SEA) after the union membership ratified the tentative agreement earlier that evening.

Superintendent Gil told the board the district had "received word from the bargaining chair" and that Christine Sanders had verified through the district HR office that SEA members ratified the tentative agreement, clearing the way for a board vote. The board then read and adopted a resolution approving the changes to the negotiated agreement.

Why it matters: the contract increases pay and alters working conditions for certified and educational support personnel (ESP) across the district. The district said the agreement will be reflected on the first paycheck for employees covered by the SEA bargaining unit and that the increases are funded in part by local assessed‑valuation growth and state funding changes.

Key financial terms and scope Certified staff in year one (2025–26) will receive step movement plus longevity where applicable, a 4% increase on salary schedules and a $250 increase to the bottom cell of…