Robert Wilson (left), 6th grade science teacher at Matherville Intermediate and lead negotiator for teachers signed on
behalf of the Sherrard Education Association. Rhys Fullerlove (right), school board president,
signed the ratified contract on behalf of the school district.
SHERRARD — The Sherrard School Board and the Sherrard Education Association (SEA) ratified a three-year labor agreement at the regular board meeting April 17, 2024.
“This was the third contract negotiation spanning nine years that I have participated in with the same group of SEA representatives, and each time it keeps getting better. The trust and camaraderie we have developed propelled this to be the most successful contract negotiation to date,” said Rhys Fullerlove, school board president.
Fullerlove said the terms of the contract are, “One of the best financial packages to our teachers and staff in Sherrard's history.” Attributing that feat to the financial acumen of Superintendent Dr. Johnson and Business Director, Lindsay Adams.
“This contract will significantly enhance our competitiveness with local school districts of similar size.
We were able to work creatively with the union to develop flexibilities that will help us address the teacher shortage. These include enhanced maternity/paternity leave, recognition of past educational experience, and excellent opportunities for teachers to qualify for tuition reimbursement in hard-to-fill positions,” he said.
“These negotiations were a prime example of a beneficial agreement for both sides. By leaving behind traditional ‘adversarial bargaining’ tactics in favor of common sense, hospitality, teamwork, and problem-solving, an agreement that benefits all involved was reached in short order.
From the start, both the Board and the SEA recognized the need to compensate employees fairly while living within our financial means as a district,” said Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson.
Dr. Johnson explained one notable change - two emergency days were added to the school calendar, previously five, to now seven, “Given the historic snowfall event we experienced this year, it’s important that we preserve our opportunities for capturing as many instructional days as possible while maintaining the ability to cancel school when student and employee safety demands it.”
Robert Wilson, 6th grade science teacher at Matherville Intermediate and lead negotiator for the SEA team has also been working with the board on contract negotiation for nine years, “Each time the experience is a positive one. The rapport we have with them is great and each time we have met, the contracts have been better.
The process works because both sides listen and respect each other, and that makes for a really good working relationship.”
WIlson said the contract is, “in a really good spot right now and that is because of all the hard work being done by both sides.”
Highlights of the new contract include:
- $825/month towards insurance
- Annual Salary Stipend for all employees
- Extracurricular Stipend increases
- Classified retirement incentive for unused sick days
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Professional Development up to $800/year from $500/year
Salary Increases:
FY25- 4% Certified, $1.25/hr classified
FY26- 4% Certified, $1.25/hr classified
FY27- 3% Certified, $1.25/hr classified
The contract affects about 200 district teachers and support staff, except for those in exempt job classifications, and takes effect July 1 and runs through the 2026-2027 school year.
To read the contract in its entirety go to: https://il02215354.
