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River Forest teachers and union warn of strike if offers remain 'not meaningful'
Summary
Teachers and RFEA leaders urged the Board to return to bargaining, saying current district offers are insufficient and that, without a meaningful proposal, they 'may be forced to strike.' Several speakers urged a referendum if the district cannot fund pay increases.
Public comment at the River Forest School District 90 board meeting centered on contract negotiations as dozens of teachers and residents urged the Board to reach a more favorable deal.
Lauren Ortiz and Cindy Crannell, co‑presidents of the River Forest Education Association, spoke on behalf of the union and said, "if they do not receive an offer they consider meaningful, they may be forced to strike." Teachers across the district described lower pay than nearby districts, concerns about a new‑hire pay scale that places new employees above existing staff, and frustration that the process has required many bargaining sessions — one teacher said it took eighteen meetings to reach the current offer. Anthony Driver, Director of the SEIU State Council, urged the Board to return to the table and said the tentative agreement "did not reflect values."
Speakers repeatedly tied pay and retention, saying inadequate wages risk losing experienced educators. Several commenters suggested the community would support a referendum to raise funds for teacher pay. President Katie Avalos thanked speakers and Superintendent Dr. Ed Condon read a statement on negotiations' status (transcript statement text not reproduced). The Board did not vote on contract terms at this meeting.
