Mercer County educators to attend school board meeting after Mercer County School District 404 recommends laying off 24 employees

ALEDO - The unions that represent more than 140 employees is urging the community's attendance at a special board of education meeting tomorrow night, March 3, in Aledo at 6:30 p.m. Mercer County School District 404 is recommending approximately 24 employees be laid off for the 2026-27 school year.

The following statement is attributable to Mercer County Education Employees Association (MCEEA) President Pam Nelson and Mercer County Education Association (MCEA) President Amanda Heinrichs:

"While the unions acknowledge the worthwhile goal of reaching solvency in the education fund, we are deeply concerned about the students and remaining employees. The administration has provided the proper notice about the possibility of Reduction in Force (RIFs). Cutting these positions does not mean there is less work or less learning to be done in our schools. Our remaining staff are going to see a large increase in their workload, which means that our students will receive less one-to-one support and could also see increased class sizes, among other diminishments to the quality of their education. It will be devastating for morale in our community if the board votes "yes" for this recommendation. Instead, we are encouraging the board to seek other solutions and find cuts elsewhere in the budget. This financial problem didn't just arise overnight. We want transparency. Has the board investigated why and how we ended up in this financial position and overspent line items? We expect board members to speak up at each meeting during that portion of their agenda, so their constituents know what's on their minds and how they reach their decisions. Our students and our community deserve better."

The school board will act on this recommendation tomorrow night, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. MCEA represents the certified educators, teachers and nurses, while MCEEA is comprised of the hourly school staff. In addition to being president of MCEEA, Nelson is also a custodian at New Boston Elementary School. Heinrichs is the MCEA president and a teacher at Mercer County Junior High School.

Tomorrow's special meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Mercer County Junior High Music Room (1002 SW 6th St., Aledo).

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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.