Naperville District 203 Teachers Set Strike Date for Tuesday
Teachers in the Naperville School District 203 have announced plans to strike on Tuesday following unsuccessful contract negotiations. The Naperville Unit Education Association declared the decision on Thursday night after three bargaining sessions this week failed to yield a new agreement. Union officials criticized the school board’s latest proposal as a significant regression in negotiations.
Union President Ross Berkley stated, “We have always said a strike is our last resort. However, after months of bargaining, overwhelming community support, and the board’s refusal to make meaningful progress, we have reached a point where we may have no other choice.” The union represents over 1,500 teachers and licensed staff who have been without a contract since June 30. Negotiations began in February.
The union’s announcement followed a bargaining session that concluded without agreement. Berkley emphasized the importance of notifying the community promptly to allow families to make necessary arrangements for their children. The teachers are prepared to strike unless the school board revises its stance and presents a fair agreement that “values educators, supports our students, and provides the stability our community deserves.”
Berkley also pointed out that the board’s current proposal significantly undercuts previous base salary offers. On August 13, union members authorized a strike, a legal prerequisite before a walkout. They have been actively rallying support at school board meetings, including a recent gathering where teachers, parents, and students voiced their backing for a new contract.
Negotiations are ongoing, facilitated by a federal mediator, with another meeting scheduled for Friday. District officials assert that they are committed to negotiating in good faith to achieve a resolution that is equitable for both educators and taxpayers. Board President Charles Cush previously communicated through a video message that the union’s demands would not be financially feasible, asserting that the board’s current offer would ensure that district teachers remain among the highest compensated in the region.
In a statement released on Thursday night, District 203 officials reiterated their commitment to finding a fair and fiscally responsible solution that prioritizes keeping students in school. “Our top priority remains our students and keeping them in classrooms,” said Cush. He added, “The strength of our district has always come from the unity between our educators and our community, and we are dedicated to preserving that.”
As the situation unfolds, both sides are under increasing pressure to reach an agreement that will avert the impending strike and ensure educational continuity for students in the Naperville community.
