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River Forest SD 90 teachers, union urge board to settle contract after 81 days
Summary
Teachers, the River Forest Education Association co-presidents and parents told the River Forest SD 90 Board on Nov. 4 that negotiations have gone 81 days without a contract and urged the board to reach a fair agreement to protect student programs and teacher retention.
At a special Committee of the Whole meeting on Nov. 4, teachers and union leaders pressed the River Forest SD 90 Board of Education to resolve a standstill in bargaining that they said has lasted 81 days. "It has been 81 days without a contract," Lincoln teacher Marta Kozbur told the board, urging members to visit classrooms and see teachers' work in person.
Lauren Ortiz and Cindy Crannell, co-presidents of the River Forest Education Association, said the negotiations process has taken a "heavy toll" on union members and that "educators deserve respect"; they said the union would "take all necessary steps to ensure that they receive a fair contract." The board returned to open session at about 8:23 p.m. after discussing personnel and bargaining in closed session earlier in the meeting.
Multiple teachers described continuing extra duties during the impasse. "We continue to sponsor clubs and coach teams," Roosevelt teacher Meg Navolio said, asking the board to settle now. Others tied the lack of a contract to morale and program risk: Connie Rogers warned that students might be unable to participate in the upcoming Reading Olympics if the impasse continues.
Speakers also raised compensation concerns tied to district comparisons and inflation adjustments. "The current Resident Friendly Financial Report shows an increase in salary over time, but a decrease when adjusted for inflation," Willard teacher Barb Garvey said, and she noted that District 90 salaries have dropped below the state average. Lincoln teacher Kelly Tanglao said her National Board Certification was not recognized in her salary, and other speakers urged the board to consider a referendum to raise revenue if necessary.
Several commenters used strong language about the administration's conduct. "The Administration" was accused of "gaslighting" and being "patriarchal and misogynistic" by Roosevelt teacher Beth Micucci; the transcript records the allegation but does not record a response from the administration during the public-comment period.
The board chair, Katie Avalos, thanked speakers at the conclusion of public comment. The meeting included about 77 in-person participants and 42 joining on Zoom.
