Naperville District 203 Teachers Set Strike Date Amid Contract Dispute

Teachers at Naperville School District 203 have announced plans to strike on Tuesday after contract negotiations stalled. The decision follows three unsuccessful bargaining sessions earlier this week, prompting the Naperville Unit Education Association to declare a strike is the last resort after months of negotiations.

Union President Ross Berkley expressed disappointment in the school board’s recent proposal, describing it as a significant regression. “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,” Berkley stated. The union represents over 1,500 teachers and licensed staff who have been working without a contract since June 30, 2023.

Bargaining has been ongoing since February, and the union has made it clear that teachers will proceed with the strike unless the school board presents a fair agreement. Berkley emphasized the need for an agreement that “values educators, supports our students, and provides the stability our community deserves.”

The union authorized the strike on August 13, 2023, a legal requirement before any walkout. Recent rallies at school board meetings have highlighted community support for the teachers’ cause, with parents and students voicing their backing during a two-hour session on Monday.

Negotiations are expected to continue with the assistance of a federal mediator, and both sides are scheduled to meet again on Friday. District officials, including Board President Charles Cush, have affirmed their commitment to negotiating in good faith. Cush previously stated that the board’s latest offer would ensure that teachers receive competitive salaries within the region.

“We are committed to moving forward together,” Cush said in a district news release. “Our top priority remains our students and keeping them in classrooms.” He reiterated the importance of maintaining unity between educators and the community during this challenging period.

As the strike date approaches, the situation remains fluid, with both the union and district officials hopeful for an agreement that satisfies the needs of educators while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers. The outcome of the upcoming negotiations could significantly impact the education landscape in Naperville and the daily lives of its students and families.