GEA and District 205 reach agreement on five year contract

The Galesburg Education Association and District 205 have come to an agreement on a new contract.

The Board of Education for Galesburg approved a five-year contract at a special meeting on Thursday morning that was also ratified by the union with 95 percent voting in favor.

GEA President Alicia Condreay tells WGIL that the two sides settled on the contract after only 11 meetings. It’s not uncommon for these talks to take three times as many meetings for an agreement to be reached.

The meetings went differently than before, according to Condreay. “We engaged in interest-based conversations rather than traditional bargaining negotiations. We had a trained facilitator meet with us nearly every meeting since February.”

Regarding terms of the contract, Condreay says that a compensation package was addressed, adding that competitive salaries and hourly pay are a priority for the GEA and the Board.

She added, “More importantly [the]health and safety for students, faculty and staff [were] also highlighted and great conversations were had and goals set to improve this as a school district.”

Superintendent John Asplund echoed her comments, “It is very gratifying to provide five more years of certainty for our processional staff, students and community.  The board, administration and staff have worked collaboratively to create the best learning and working environment possible.  Finalizing this contract relatively quickly was the result of a shared commitment to the children and taxpayers of District 205.”

The contract will run through the 2027-28 school year.

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Financial compensation for staff under new contract (click on the image to see a larger version)

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