Crystal Lake teachers rally for new contract as union warns of staff departures amid ongoing talks

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - Many people wore red at Monday night's School District 47 Board Meeting in a show of solidarity with the Crystal Lake Elementary Teacher's Association as teachers fight for a new contract. 

A recent survey of union members showed 73 percent of them have seriously thought about leaving their jobs and more than a third have other jobs to help them make ends meet. 

The teachers have been bargaining with the district since last October.

"When staff leave, particularly due to the issues we're discussing tonight, all of their training and expertise go out the window, and benefit the neighboring districts that they're joining. Our students are the ones that lose out when that happens," said Erin Wagner, assistive technology coordinator for District 47.

The district said it put a strong offer on the table with a 19.5 percent pay increase over four and a half years. 

The next bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.