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Teachers and Residents Urge River Forest SD 90 Board to Approve Significant Pay Increase
Summary
Teachers' union leaders and more than a dozen residents urged the River Forest School District 90 board to approve a sizable first‑year salary increase during public comment; speakers said the district can afford the increase without a property tax referendum and noted a petition with over 1,000 signatures.
Mrs. Katie Avalos, president of the Board of Education of School District #90, invited public comment at the start of the meeting, and multiple speakers used that time to press the board on teacher pay. Lauren Ortiz and Cindy Crannell, co‑presidents of the River Forest Education Association, spoke on behalf of the teachers' union and said the union "is seeking a significant salary modification in the first year."
Several residents echoed that appeal. Kelly Abcarian said, "the District can afford what the teachers are requesting without a property tax increase," and Caroline Skolnik told the board that more than 1,000 people had signed a petition supporting teachers. Teacher Tiffany Daniels‑Hudson provided comparative salary data for neighboring districts and asked for "an equitable compensation practice." Tristan Rogers, a Lincoln teacher, contrasted teacher pay with the salary "given to the new Superintendent," urging the board to consider compensation priorities.
Board President Mrs. Avalos thanked speakers for commenting but the meeting record shows no immediate change to the board's offer during the open session. The comments and data were entered into the public record and will inform ongoing contract negotiations; the board later moved into closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters. The meeting minutes do not record any formal board response or an agreed schedule for next steps on the contract during the open session.
