District 58 Approves Three-Year Contract with Educational Support Staff

The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education has approved a three-year contract with educational support staff.

The board voted unanimously Aug. 12 to approve a contract with Downers Grove Educational Support Personnel, effective 2013 through 2016. The contract applies to full-time and part-time secretaries, clerks and instructional assistants.

The board's approval follows the ratification of the contract by the DGESP and concludes the bargaining process, which began this past spring, district officials said. 

“This contract reflects the careful consideration and cooperation of both the DGESP leaders and District 58 representatives. We are proud of the resulting agreement and look forward to implementing this agreement collaboratively over the next three years,” District 58 Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said in a statement.

The contract ties annual raises to the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). The contract also calls for increased professional development and training opportunities for instructional assistants, clerks and secretarial staff; and extended work hours for secretaries to provide for additional support and services to families, teachers and administrators beyond student attendance hours.

“Both teams were able to come together and work in a cohesive and respectful manner, allowing for a positive outcome for all," DGESP co-president Emily Honn said in a statement. "The DGESP appreciates all the efforts made by the administrative team and looks forward to a great beginning of the new school year."