Crete Public Schools board approves 2026–27 negotiated agreement with $1,100 base increase

The Crete Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve the 2026–27 negotiated agreement for certified employees, adopting a $1,100 increase to the base teacher salary and several changes to leave and extra‑duty pay.

Superintendent Doctor McDowell, who thanked the negotiations committee, said the agreement “Overall highlights $1,100 increase on the base, bringing our base salary to $40,385.” He told the board the package also exchanges two sick days for two personal days — giving teachers four personal days — and introduces a sick‑bank cap for new certified hires: staff hired prior to 2026–27 will retain their existing unlimited sick‑bank, while certified staff hired in 2026–27 and beyond will have a cap of 70 days.

The agreement also adjusts extra‑duty pay (ticket takers and event workers) to align with minimum wage increases and sets a flat rate of $27 per hour for summer school and curriculum work outside of classroom teaching time. Doctor McDowell noted the negotiated raises come as the district continues to monitor health‑insurance costs, which district negotiators say remain staff priorities; the district currently pays 100% of certified staff health insurance premiums.

Board members on the negotiations team described the process as cordial and collaborative. A roll‑call vote carried the motion to approve the agreement.

The board did not change the district’s current health‑insurance contribution during these negotiations; members said preserving coverage remained a staff priority and that shifting insurance contributions to put more on the salary was discussed but not pursued.

The approved changes take effect for the 2026–27 school year; the board recorded the motion and roll‑call approval and did not attach additional amendments to the main agreement at the meeting.