After a mediation session Sept. 8 did not result in a contract agreement between River Forest School District 90 and its teachers, a final opportunity with a mediator is currently set for Sept. 30.
According to an email sent to River Forest Education Association members following the Sept. 8 meeting, RFEA reviewed the district’s proposal, a non-binding conceptual offer, related to compensation.
“Their proposal did not represent the significant movement that we would have expected from the district at this stage in the bargaining process,” the email said. “We have one remaining mediated session scheduled for late September. At that session, we expect the district to respond to our most recent suggested solutions to the economic barriers the district has identified.”
A district statement noted that it “continues to negotiate in good faith toward an agreement that values our excellent teachers, responsibly manages taxpayer funds, and supports the success of our students.
“Negotiating teams representing District 90 and the RFEA began discussions in April 2025 and continue to bargain with the guidance of an impartial mediator,” the statement said. “The mediation process is intended to give the parties increased understanding about bargaining positions and identify areas of potential agreement on unresolved elements. To support an efficient and productive negotiation, district leaders are not discussing the proposed terms outside the negotiating table.”
RFEA co-presidents Lauren Baiocchi and Cindy Crannell said in prepared statements to Wednesday Journal that they are “hopeful that we will reach a fair agreement through our negotiations.”
But what are the implications if an agreement can’t be reached Sept. 30? Could a teacher strike loom?
“A strike is the last possible resort when it comes to reaching a fair contract,” they said. “We would much rather be in our classrooms with our students than out on a picket line. We are focused on coming to an agreement; however, we are willing to do whatever it takes to get the best possible contract for our teachers and our students.”
District 90’s teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 15 and the two sides have enlisted a federal mediator to move the process forward, which has been a big help, according to Baiocchi and Crannell. Mediation sessions typically last four hours. hours.
“The mediator has been essential to our process. She helps both sides see things from different perspectives and find a way to move forward,” they said.
Communication has been a key strategy for the RFEA throughout the process. More than 120 teachers and community members packed the District 90 board of education meeting Sept. 2 to make their views known about ongoing teacher contract negotiations. A similar turnout was expected at Tuesday’s board meeting.
“For us, we believe it’s extremely important the community is aware of what the issues are and updated on the status of negotiations,” Baiocchi and Crannell said. “The contract is about what’s best for all of us, our students, our staff and our community. We are so grateful for the continued support we are receiving from parents and community members.
“We continue to remain hopeful that we will reach a fair agreement through our negotiations. That being said, we are still working to educate our community, parents and members about what it is we’re fighting for.”
The pair say they are “optimistic every time we come to the table that we can walk away with a tentative agreement, and we will continue to be hopeful we can find common ground soon.
“We hope the district comes to the table willing to work with us and is open to our perspective as well as feedback.”