No strike: Tentative agreement reached in Streator Elementary teachers, support staff negotiations

A tentative labor agreement was reached Thursday between the Streator Elementary Association and the Streator Elementary School District 44 Board, a union official said.

The agreement was announced about 9 p.m., less than 12 hours before the union was set to begin a strike. Details have not been shared regarding the agreement. The district said it was waiting until the union shares the agreement with its members and ratifies it before releasing details.

“Through thoughtful discussion and reasonable concessions on both sides, we were able to come to an agreement that moves our teachers to among the highest paid in the area and creates more full-time positions,” District 44 board President Angela Risley said. “The board hopes this contract for our teachers and support staff paves the way for a stronger, more unified future.”

Classes continued as scheduled Friday.

Talks began at 10 a.m. between the union and the board to reach a labor agreement. The parties were assisted by David Born. He was a regional director in the Chicago office with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Since the discontinuation of the federal agency’s services to public unions by the Trump administration, Born has started a private practice. Born is familiar with Streator. He has mediated the last three contracts between the parties.