Over the past few months, the District Negotiations Team and the USD 394 Board of Education had been negotiating the updated staff contract for the 2022-2023 school year. 

An agreement was finally reached on Sep 12 and it included a number of benefits, including a three percent raise for all teachers.

“Teacher negotiations are just a sit down and talk with administrations and the board and try to get on the same page for a variety of different ranges,” said Ryan Hill, who was the lead negotiator. “…to working conditions and salary, to also just the education process as a whole and making sure we’re advocating for both the students and the teachers in the classroom. It’s just an open dialogue between the parties.”

Added to the base salary next year will be $1,400 and $1,600 will be added next year. One of the biggest aspects of the proposal that staff members wanted passed was the increase to sub coverage pay. 

“Process in negotiations generally involves some written proposals and discussions and some back and forth between so we can get language within contract situated,” Hill said.