Mediator Requested in Barrington 220 Teacher Contract Negotiations

After several months of negotiations over a new contract for District 220 educators, an agreement between the Barrington 220 Board of Education and the Barrington Education Association has still not been met.

Teachers have been working without a contract since the beginning of the school year.

BEA President Melanie Collin released a statement in October that said the teachers are asking for “quality and fairness.”

“We want to maintain the kind of quality school district that attracts and retains great teachers to serve the students – the kind of quality professionals that have made this a great school system,” Collin’s statement said.

At the Nov. 27 Board of Education meeting, the decision was made to request help from a federal third party mediator to help iron things out before an agreement is made. This service is provided at no cost.

In an email sent late Tuesday night to District 220 parents and residents, Barrington 220 Board of Education said both parties have worked hard to create a contract agreeable by all.

“Discussions since last spring have been constructive, although there are some remaining issues and positions to settle. Contract negotiations in this challenging economy are understandably complex,” the email read.

“This voluntary action will provide a neutral mediator to conduct meetings and coordinate discussions in the final stage of this important endeavor. Most importantly, the assistance intends to secure an agreement in the best interest of students, staff and community stakeholders,” it went on to say.