The Board of Education of Lyons Township High School District 204 on Aug. 18 approved a negotiated agreement with the Lyons Township High School Paraeducator Association covering 2025–2029 that raises the starting hourly rate by $4 and provides 4% wage increases in years two, three and four of the contract.
The agreement was presented to the board by Dr. Brian Waterman, who described the tentative deal reached Aug. 8. “It includes a $4 increase on the starting hourly rate for paraeducators and also a 4% increase during years 2, 3, and 4 of the contract,” Dr. Waterman said during the meeting. The board approved the contract by roll call.
Paraeducators and supporters addressed the board in public comment before the vote. Lisa Union, identifying herself as a paraeducator at LT, said the bargaining team “were able to come to an agreement and ratify the contract just before the start of our new school year, which was very relieving.” Another speaker, Lisa Hammond, thanked buildings and grounds and technology staff in remarks earlier in the meeting and extended condolences to the family of a recently deceased student.
Board members and district leaders told the board the contract honors paraeducators’ work across special education, libraries, science and English learner programs. The administration recommended board approval; the board voting record on the motion was recorded by roll call and the motion passed.
No new implementation timeline or additional program funding details were announced at the meeting.