All the major news outlets are now reporting that District 150 teachers have agreed to the school board’s proposed contract. 1470-AM WMBD is reporting that teachers signed a 3-year contract:

At issue were wages, specifically the district’s request for a “hard freeze”; that is, no raise even for additional experience or education. Now, teachers will get that “step” increase second semester this year, along with a raises of 1% and 1.75% in years two and three of the contract, respectively.

Huh. 1% raises for teachers. And, um, how much of a raise for administrators? Oh, that’s right — 33% for the Associate Superintendents. I think the teachers should have called the district’s bluff. But I’m sure several of them were scared by the threat of replacement workers.

I guess in District 150’s book, having teacher pay not keep up with inflation while administrator pay skyrockets is “what’s best for the children.”

UPDATE: Here’s a little more detail from WHOI (channel 19):

Here are some key points about the new contract. It allows for lane changes. That means teachers will be paid more for the more education they receive. It also allows for step increases, meaning teachers get increases based on the number of years they’ve taught. Base pay raises are included in the second and third years of the contract. It’s a three year deal.

In today’s Journal Star classifieds:

Employment Opportunity with Peoria Public Schools Peoria, Illinois Peoria Public Schools, Peoria, Illinois, has immediate openings for: SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Qualifications: B.A./B.S. degree; must meet all other eligibility requirements required by Illinois School Code. Send resume and letter of interest to: Peoria School District 150 Human Resources Dept. 3202 N. Wisconsin Dept. Peoria, IL 61603 Attn: Substitute Teacher, We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Kind of a hardball tactic during contract negotiations. On the other hand, how many substitute teachers want to be scabs for District 150?