Published: September 29, 2008 11:59 am      

Altamont teachers expected to ratify new contract

ALTAMONT — Altamont Unit 10 teachers may soon have a new contract.

Altamont Education Association members are expected to ratify a new three-year deal at an after-school meeting today at Altamont Grade School. The Unit 10 Board is then expected to follow through with a vote on the new deal at a special board meeting set for 7 this evening at the unit office.

Representatives from both sides are hopeful a deal can be finalized tonight.

“We’re happy that it’s over,” said high school biology teacher Mike Delaney, who has been the teachers’ lead negotiator.

“I feel this will be the conclusion,” added board President Dale Laue. “There’s been no indication that anything other than that will happen.”

Unit 10 teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 15. The sides have been negotiating since January.

Neither side would discuss details until the ratification process is completed, but teachers had been upset about economic and scheduling issues, particularly at the secondary level.

Teachers filed an intent to strike last month, but there has been no interruption in school schedules despite the impasse.

Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or bill.grimes@effinghamdailynews.com.