Rochester, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Rochester School District and its teachers union say they’ve come to terms on a new contract.

A joint statement from the district and the Rochester Education Association Thursday said the collective bargaining agreement includes a 5.5% percent pay bump, sick leave based on years of service (ranging from 12 to 18 days per year, and caps on class size in grades Kindergarten through six.

  • Max 26 (down from 28) for grades K-1
  • Max 27 (down from 30) for grades 2-3
  • Max 29 (down from 21) for grades 4-6

The sides say there’s also tuition reimbursement for staff development, more focus on teacher safety, and more time to collaborate with other teachers.

District 3A school board president Amy Reynolds says in the news release the new deal will create “the conditions where students and staff alike can thrive.”

“We are incredibly appreciative of the time, energy, and professionalism shown throughout this process,” said Board Member and Lead District Negotiator Sarah Kerley, in a news release. “This agreement reflects the priorities of our staff and community. It strengthens our mission to support Rocket Learners as they grow and prepares us to excel together—academically, professionally, and as a district.”

The sides say it took six sessions and 34 hours of negotiations to come up with the two-year deal.  The full contract is expected to be posted on the district’s website “in the coming days.”