Illinois Education Association

07/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2025 08:31

Mercer County teachers call in mediator after contract talks stall, plan to pack board meeting

ALEDO - Mercer County educators, parents and community members are planning to pack Wednesday night's Mercer County School District 404 Board of Education (BOE) meeting to call for a fair contract. Mercer County currently offers the lowest salary potential for teachers in the region. The Mercer County Education Association (MCEA) has been bargaining with the BOE since March 3 and recently requested the help of a mediator with the negotiations process.

"We are losing talented folks to neighboring districts like Rockridge, Sherrard and Monmouth-Roseville where they can make more money," MCEA spokesperson Monte Smith said. "Without high-quality teachers and staff, our students' education will suffer. We know that strong students mean strong schools and strong communities."

MCEA represents the more than 110 teachers and licensed staff supporting the 1200 students of District 404. MCEA's current contract expired on June 30, which means, there is not a new contract in place for the start of the school year.

MCEA's proposals are fiscally responsible, and the district can afford to meet their requests without raising taxes.

"We are committed to the financial health of the school district and getting fair compensation for our members. We're not asking to be the highest-paid teachers. We're just asking for a competitive salary so we can attract and retain the best teachers for our students," Smith said.

The BOE meeting is set for Wed., July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Mercer Co. Junior High (1002 SW 6th St, Aledo). At this time, there are no bargaining sessions scheduled.

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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.

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