Naperville School District 203 reaches deal with teachers union

The teachers union for Naperville Community Unit School District 203 announced Friday it has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, avoiding a strike it had planned for next week and assuring no class disruptions.

Ross Berkley, president of the Naperville Unit Education Association, thanked the community for its support during what he called a “difficult time.”

“We could not have done this without you,” Berkley said in a statement. “We are proud to say we’ve reached a tentative agreement that values our students and our educators. One that will continue to meet the high standard for excellence that we have here in District 203.”

Details of the agreement will not be disclosed until the agreement is approved by the union and the Naperville Board of Education, union leaders said.

“Our priority has always been to provide students with the high-quality education they deserve, and this agreement helps us continue that work,” Charles Cush, president of the board of education, said in a statement. “This reflects our dedication to ensuring Naperville 203 remains an exemplary school district for students and educators.”

Union members announced Thursday night that they planned to go on strike Tuesday after three bargaining sessions this week didn’t result in a new deal. That followed a union vote on Aug. 13 to authorize a strike, according to the Naperville Sun.

The west suburban school district serves nearly 16,000 students, and the NUEA represents more than 1,500 teachers and staff in the district.