Just one after classes were back in session for the 2025-26 school year in suburban Naperville, District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges sent a message to parents, advising families of a possible teachers strike after months-long contract negotiations stalled.
“We understand that this creates significant challenges and frustrations for every one of you,” the message, obtained by NBC Chicago read in part. “Please know that our students remain our top priority.”
The letter, sent to families Friday, came as ongoing contract negotiations between the district and the Naperville Unite Education Association hit a stalemate, with union members declaring Tuesday, Aug. 26 as an “official strike date.” The NUEA, which has been working without a contract since June 30, and the Board of Education have been in contract negotiations since February.
“Instead of maintaining fair compensation for the important work educators have always done, the board is now disregarding the voices of educators, parents and students who have repeatedly called for fair compensation and stability in our schools,” the union said in a statement. “The board’s latest proposals are significantly lower than its previous base salary proposals, reducing the value of the work historically performed by our teachers and the worth of our profession.”
The union’s statement went on to say that the board’s most recent proposal was a “major step backward,” and that striking was a “last resort.”
“We have reached a point where we may have no other choice,” the union, which represents more than 1,500 educators, said. “As a result, we have set our official strike date.”
Shortly after the union’s announcement, the district issued its own statement.
“Our top priority remains our students and keeping them in classrooms,” Charles Cush, president of the Board of Education said in the statement. “We are committed to moving forward together. The strength of our district has always come from the unity between our educators and our community, and we are dedicated to preserving that.”
“The Board remains fully committed to reaching a fair, fiscally responsible solution that focuses on keeping students in school,” the statement went on to say, adding that a date to strike “does not guarantee a strike will happen.”
Bridges’ letter to families said the district learned of the strike date at the same time it was announced to the community, and saying administrators were surprised.
“The Board of Education is fully committed to reaching a fair and fiscally responsible agreement that keeps our students in the classroom where they belong,” Bridges letter said. “We understand how important it is for our students to continue their learning without disruption, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that happens.”
If a strike does occur, Bridges said, schools will be closed beginning Tuesday, including all extracurricular activities and practices.
“Remote learning will not be an option,” Bridges said.
The message also said the district was working with community partners to find childcare solutions, and that it would ensure free and reduced-price meals remain accessible to eligible students.
“This is a difficult moment for our community,” the letter added. “We remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible.”
Negotiations were expected to continue Friday.
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