Support staff in Hinsdale High School District 86 have a new three-year contract.
The District 86 board voted 6-0 Aug. 26 to approve the deal, which provides for annual hourly rate increases of 2.3 percent for 2021-22 and 2 percent for 2022-23.
The hourly rate for support staff this year will range from $15.77 for a new hire to $44.64 for an experienced school nurse. The district has almost 100 support staff members, including school nurses, paraprofessionals, student safety team members and other employees.
The increase for the final year will be based on the consumer price index, with a floor of 2 percent and a ceiling of 3.5 percent.
The contract also offers an annual longevity/retention bonus of $250 to $1,000, based on years of service, or an annual educational stipend of $1,200 to eligible employees.
No changes will be made to medical or dental benefits, and the number of allowed accumulated unused sick days will increase from 240 to 350.
Board member Kathleen Hirsman, who was part of the board’s negotiating team, praised the process and the individuals involves.
“The representation on both teams, on the school board team and on the support staff team, came to the table in a very productive fashion and it was very successful,” she said. “We ended up with an agreement that everyone was very comfortable with and it was very fulfilling to see the support staff group overwhelmingly supported the contract.”
Hinsdale Township High School Support Staff Association members ratified the contract Aug. 24.
“The board of education, administration and Hinsdale Township High School Support Staff Association understand and appreciate how vital our support staff is to the success of our district,” read a joint statement released by the district and the HTHSSSA. “That is why we are pleased to announce that we have come to terms on a new contract that recognizes the significant contributions of these dedicated employees and reflects the critical role they play in meeting the needs of every child we serve.
“We also want to share that we remain strongly committed to continuing the important work we have done together to advance the district’s mission and vision, uphold our values and, most importantly, help our students down the path toward their ideal future.”
The contract runs through June 30, 2024.
