By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – District 87 achieved labor peace Wednesday night by agreeing to pay raises for its paraprofessionals.

The school board unanimously agreed to a five-year contract ratified earlier in the day by approximately 80 workers represented by Bloomington Educational Support Personnel.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Herschel Hannah said the workers have felt under appreciated, and they were underpaid, making a starting wage of $11.76 per hour.

In the first year, they’ll make $13 per hour, and $14.49 per hour in the fifth year, meaning the district is taking steps toward complying with Illinois’ new $15 minimum wage that takes effect in 2025.

“These folks are looking money, and sometimes we have lost good, quality people who are in the beginning of their careers because we did not pay very well,” said Hannah.

Hannah said the union contract will cost the district an extra $527,506 over the five-year period.

“These are hardworking people. These are good people that really matter and make a difference in what happens in our classrooms and in our schools,” said Hannah.

“Our intent is to value and make them understand that they’re very much a part of the success in what happens with our kids in our schools,” Hannah added.

The school board Wednesday night also raised lunch prices to offset increasing costs of offering free or reduced priced-meals to eligible students.

The Paid Lunch Equity requirement of the National School Lunch Program means elementary kids will pay 10 cents more per meal to $2.70, junior high students will pay a dime more per meal to $2.90, and high school lunch prices will rise a nickel to $3.30 per meal.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]