PEORIA, Ill. — More than 800 people rallied Monday evening in support of teachers in Peoria Public Schools as they call for better pay, among other issues. The educators have been working for a week without a contract and are heading to federal mediation.
“We want to be working in the district, we want to support the students of our district, but we lose teachers every year because they’re not supported,” PPS teacher Shari Semelroth told 25 News.
As they await federal mediation later this month, teachers are rallying for changes in discipline, salary increases, counselors in each school and more.
“We have not gotten a raise in several years, and despite that, the salaries of those at the (administration) building continue to go up,” said PPS teacher Mia Steffen.
The Peoria Federation of Teachers hope to bring attention to the issues they’re facing.
“Moral is low, stress is high. People need an outlet and there here to let that be known tonight.” said Jeff Adkins-Dutro, teachers’ union president.
Adkins-Dutro hopes the two sides will come to an agreement soon.
“We would hope maybe a month with the federal mediator. If that doesn’t work, we’re in big trouble,” said Adkins-Dutro.
If no agreement comes out of mediation, a strike would be the next option.
“That would be the worst case scenario,” Adkins-Dutro continued, “I hope the school board and the administration take note of our strength and power.”
The district had no comment on Monday’s rally.
