FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- November 16, 2001
NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 203
203 W. Hillside Road, Naperville, Illinois 60540-6589 FAX 630-420-1066
Contact: Melea Smith, Communications Coordinator / Phone 630-420-6412

District 203 Board and NUEA negotiations begin with common ground

Members of the Naperville Unit Education Association and the School District 203 Board teams met on Wednesday, Nov. 14, for their first official meeting, an interest-sharing session in which common concerns and issues were brought to the table. Interest-based bargaining, a collaborative process which allows both teams to gain a full understanding of each others' interests and concerns, had previously been agreed upon.

Recognized as areas of common interest were the following topics: attracting and retaining high-quality teachers; providing opportunities for professional collaboration; and fostering an on-going relationship with all stakeholders, for the purpose of improved communication.

Discussions related to the attraction and retention of high-quality teachers focused on such issues as competitive compensation with similar districts; a fair and equitable health insurance plan, which is economically efficient; and assurance of long-term stability of staff.

Due in part to recent reductions in state funding for professional development opportunities, both teams are seeking creative avenues to meet professional growth needs.

Additionally, both teams recognized the need for increased communication among district stakeholders, a concern which citizens’ groups have also identified.

Representing the Naperville Unit Education Association are: Joyce Speer and Sandy Hill, elementary teachers; Wayne Anderson and Sonja Cappelleri, junior high teachers; John Cotton and Bo Vossel, high school teachers. Naperville North teacher Ed Rosenthal is serving as head negotiator and spokesman for the Association team.

NUEA president Dave Griffith is serving as an ex officio member of the team and spokesman for the Association. Bob Ray is the Illinois Education Association/UniServ Director assigned to the Naperville Unit Education Association.

Members of the District 203 Board of Education team are board members Debbie Shipley and Bill Steinke, along with administrators Allen Albus, Assistant Superintendent for Finance; Gayle Wahlin, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Associate Superintendent for Elementary Education Ron Gibson and Don Weber, Superintendent. Associate Superintendent for Secondary Education Russ Bryan is serving head negotiator and spokesman for the Board of Education team.

The negotiating teams will reconvene on Nov. 20 and 21.

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