The New Lenox Elementary District 122 support staff has filed its intent to unionize with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, which is likely to complete the review process to establish the new union by August, according to the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
It would represent the district’s 155 professional staff, including its paraprofessionals, library aides, school nurses, registrars, technology support specialists, clerical staff and custodial personnel. The professional support staff will use their voice to negotiate good contracts, provide fair wages, encourage staff retention, prioritize equity and inclusion and ensure equal access to professional development and job promotion, according to the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
The district does not want to lose its quality staff to other school districts, Groch said. The students enjoy seeing the same faces and developing relationships with the staff, Groch said. The staff is happier when there is less turnover because then training doesn’t have to start over, she said.