The Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors approved a new three-year contract for the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers – Local 604 at the Board of School Inspectors Meeting held on September 10, 2025. The three-year wage settlement provides an average total wage increase of 12% over three years.
Under the new contract, starting pay for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree and no experience is $51,676. The new agreement is retroactive to the beginning of this school year. This settlement allows District 86 to remain competitive in its ability to attract and retain quality teachers. The district had 54 new certified staff who attended the new educators training. Local 604 is a large Illinois teachers union that includes Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lockport and Joliet locally.
“I am pleased we successfully reached an agreement on a contract,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse. “Our dedicated teachers work tirelessly to ensure our students receive a high-quality education in a safe and caring environment.”
The union represents approximately 768 teachers.
