Peoria Public Schools teachers are getting a two-year contract extension without a protracted public fight.
That's a complete 180 from a couple years ago, when tense negotiations veered toward a potential strike.
The school board on Monday unanimously approved extending the current contract with the Peoria Federation of Teachers through the end of June 2027.
"The extension is beneficial to our members, and it's responsible for the district," said Peoria Federation of Teachers president Jeff Adkins-Dutro.
He said 96% of teachers voted to ratify the contract extension.
It keeps the current contract language in place, and also offers 4%-plus step increases in the next two school years. Teachers will get $1,250 retention bonuses for the next two years, too.
A new three-year contract with the school campus safety officers' union also was approved by the school board on Monday. That includes wage increases of 5%, 4.5%, and 4% over the next three years, respectively. Annual retention bonuses of $1,250 will be offered for the next two years.
