Pecatonica board votes 4–2 to reopen teacher contract negotiations after pay confusion

The Pecatonica Area School District Board of Education voted 4–2 to reopen negotiations with the Pecatonica Teacher Education Association after weeks of public concern that recently issued contracts did not reflect the salary placements teachers expected.

Several teachers and community members urged the board to revisit the contract during public comment, saying the paperwork they received showed smaller increases — and in some cases lower pay — than the parties had discussed during bargaining. "This has negatively impacted staff morale, we don't feel valued, and this will certainly affect staff retention," said Elaine Becker, a library media specialist who asked the board to reopen talks. Teacher Jamie Gordon said years of service and extra duties still left many educators struggling: "I love Pecatonica with all of my heart," she said, adding that restoring pay and morale should be a priority.

Board members and staff described the technical issue at the center of the dispute as a mismatch between "base" and "final" salaries under a lane-and-step schedule. District staff said the sheet presented to union negotiators contained base-salary numbers and that some teachers believed their final paycheck would reflect a different starting point. "When this was brought to my attention, I asked our attorney what the recommendations are as far as reopening negotiations," Board President said at the meeting, explaining the board had sought legal advice about whether reopening was appropriate.

District finance staff noted legal limits on increases: state statute caps the negotiable increase at the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which at the time of negotiations stood at 4.1 percent, and the district said it used a combination of a guaranteed step increase plus a negotiated percentage for the overall package.

After extended public and board discussion about process and fairness, a motion to reopen negotiations passed on a roll-call vote: Corey No; Brian Yes; Megan No; Nick Yes; Grace Yes; Roy No. The board chair said staff will resume talks with union representatives and that the full personnel committee will continue negotiations, with the board and union informed of next steps.

The board did not approve any specific changes to the contract at the meeting; reopening negotiations means both sides will return to the table and could reach the same or a different outcome. The board president cautioned that reopening carries risks and opportunities: negotiations could yield the same schedule, a slower adjustment, or an improved settlement, but cannot exceed the statutory cap.

The district said it will be in contact with union leadership to schedule follow-up bargaining sessions and will report progress to the board.