District 200 and Teachers Union Reach 4-Year Agreement

On April 26, the Board of Education and the Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) finalized a new, four-year contract covering the 2023–24, 2024–25, 2025–26, and 2026–27 School Years. The WWEA bargaining unit represents approximately 1,155 teachers and other licensed educators.

The Board of Education, District Administration, and the WWEA have spent the past several months, beginning in July 2022, preparing for and working on this new agreement. The District appreciates the members of the negotiating teams and their hard work on this important endeavor.

Board of Education President Chris Crabtree is pleased with the new contract. “A high-quality educator is the most important factor for success in a child’s educational experience,” said Crabtree. “This contract allows us to be competitive in the market so we can attract and retain outstanding staff to support our learning environment.”

WWEA President Bryce Cann is also grateful for the outcome of the new contract. “The collaborative working relationship between WWEA and District Administration allowed for open and productive conversations throughout this process,” said Cann. “Our educators have done incredible work over the past three years navigating unprecedented challenges. This agreement acknowledges that work, allows our District to offer competitive salaries and benefits to recruit and retain the best staff possible, and enables us to continue providing a high-quality educational experience for our students.”

The new four-year contract solidifies essential labor stability; balances the economic realities of the District; and prioritizes the District’s ability to recruit, hire and retain a high-quality staff by remaining competitive with our neighboring districts. Throughout the negotiation process, the District’s strategic plan, Vision 2026, remained a focus, especially in the areas of learning acceleration, expansion of post-secondary opportunities, and supporting the social emotional needs of students by ensuring school connectedness.

While a summary of the agreement is available on the Board Meeting agenda, key outcomes are outlined below.

The elementary schedule will be extended by 10 minutes daily, equating to nearly 5 additional instructional days annually. Starting next school year, the elementary school day will begin at 9:05 a.m.

Compensation

• Year 1 (2023–24) — 6% salary increase and a base salary of $51,097 for new teachers
• Year 2 (2024–25) — 6% salary increase and a base salary of $53,907 for new teachers
• Year 3 (2025–26) — 6% salary increase and a base salary of $56,872 for new teachers
• Year 4 (2026–27) — blended (levy years 2024 and 2025) Cost of Living (CPI) increase with a floor of 3.5% and ceiling of 4.5% and a base salary range of $58,578 to $59,146 for new teachers.

The Extra Duty Stipend Committee will perform a full audit of positions by the end of the contract to ensure we have the best opportunities available for all students.

The District will develop a formal Mentorship Program that pairs a first-year teacher with an experienced teacher to guide them through their first year.

Retirement

• WWEA members who wish to retire must provide 4 years’ notice, allowing the District to best prepare and staff schools.
• Once retirement notice is provided in writing, the retirement request is irrevocable.