River Forest’s District 90 school board approved a new four-year teacher contract March 11, but one board member voted against the measure, indicating its potential to raise taxes via referendum or prompt elimination of staff positions.
Dr. Eric Isenberg made a nearly 7-minute statement noting that District 90 has run a budget deficit in five of the last seven years, and that school districts can’t continually operate in that position.
“Absent higher taxes, in the long run, the only way to pay each teacher more is to pay fewer teachers,” he said. “If we agree to this contract, we bind ourselves to eliminating staff positions and perhaps raising taxes as well.
“I do not believe this agreement serves the best interests of taxpayers and kids, which is why I must vote no.”
Each other board member voted yes to the measure, though Dr. Kristine Mackey qualified her yes vote by asking the board to commit to a budget deficit reduction plan. Isenberg, who was not a member of the district’s contract negotiation team, said Saturday, “I recognized that I was unlikely to persuade my colleagues on the board.”
Additionally, in the official district communication announcing passage of the measure, each board member was listed except Isenberg, who also said Saturday he asked not to be included.
The contract agreement, which was ratified by the River Forest Education Association on March 6 with a simple majority of its 145 voters, will include an estimated 21% average earnings increase over four years reflecting an average 25% increase to base salaries over that time period. It features a 7.80% increase this school year, including retroactive pay to last August when the prior contract ended, and 4% jumps the next two school years. Increases in the 2028-29 school year are tied to the federal Consumer Price Index and will have a floor of 3.25% and a ceiling of 5%.
Additionally, improved benefits include increased district contributions toward health insurance and retirement, and increased benefits for sick days and other leaves.
Workplace enhancements include improved clarity around planning time parameters, and new opportunities for staff input into decisions related to hiring salary schedules and stipends.
According to the district communication, costs associated with salaries and benefits are approximately $55 million over four years accounting for about 60% of projected operating expenditures during those years.
“The goal has been to determine a path forward and recognize the work teachers do with certain financial constraints, and I think this contract demonstrates that,” Katie Avalos, the board president said Friday. “You need high-quality teachers engaged in their work, and we are lucky to have great teachers in District 90 and this contract will keep us on that path.”
Supt. Dr. Edward Condon echoed those sentiments, saying, “it can’t be overstated how our teachers are at the heart of our schools and their work is critical to the success of our students.
“This contract helps to ensure stability for the district moving forward.”
Condon will retire from District 90 at the end of this school year.
As far as reaction to Isenberg’s remarks and his subsequent no vote, Avalos complimented him on his candor.
“Diversity of thought, different perspectives and life experiences brings us to stronger conclusions,” she said. “Having some of these conversations, what are we able to put forward here, I think Eric was thoughtful and purposeful with what he shared. We don’t always agree, but we respect each other’s opinions.”
Isenberg’s remarks struck a chord with some parents. Kelly Abcarian said she wasn’t surprised that one board member voted against the measure but was disappointed at the tone after almost a year of negotiations.
“Ending a year-long negotiation by blaming teachers – while future projections still show roughly $30 million in reserves – sends a demoralizing message to our teachers who deserve to hear thank you, not blame,” Abcarian said.
Isenberg countered Saturday by saying board members are obligated to ask whether an agreement is favorable to taxpayers and students.
RFEA co-presidents Cindy Crannell and Lauren Ortiz pointed to the fact that a board majority supports the new contract and so does a majority of RFEA members.
“Our focus is on the strong foundation this agreement creates for the future,” they said via prepared statement. “This contract is an important step toward keeping River Forest competitive and ensuring the district can attract and retain the talented educators our students deserve.”