The board of School District 62 narrowly approved a five-year contract with its teachers union Monday night that could add about $4.8 million in costs over the life of the pact and boost salaries an average of 5.2 percent during each year of the contract.
The vote by the outgoing school board was 4-3. The board members who voted against the contract said the district continues deficit spending, and the level of pay increases is not fiscally responsible.
The new board also approved the contract in a symbolic gesture.
The agreement includes a number of provisions district officials anticipate could cut up to $1 million of the additional costs.
Among other things, the agreement provides for an early retirement incentive program, including a 20 percent pay hike during the final two years of employment.
Also, beginning in the third year of the contract, middle-school teachers could be required to take on a sixth period of instruction, thus reducing the number of teachers the district would need.
Starting salaries will increase to $27,500 from $25,500.