1952-53 On October 12, 1952 the faculty of District 300 adopted a constitution and became the District 300 Education Association (DEA). The members also voted to affiliate with the IEA and NEA. It was affectionately called the Local Teachers Association. The first president was Mr. John (Jack) Lurain. The first charter group was composed of forty members.

1953-54 The first study of surrounding school districts salary schedules, fringe benefits and extra pay was accomplished. From the study, a letter on how a new salary schedule could be developed, was sent to the School Board.

1955-56 DEA made recommendations to the Board of Education about the need for art and music in the curriculum and the need for increasing the number of guidance counselors due to the new growth.The roster showed 225 out of 270 were members.

1960-61 The superintendent, Mr. Jacobs, explained the bonus plan to the DEA for perfect attendance.The first two local delegates were sent to the NEA convention in Denver Colo.

1967 First negotiated contract while Mary Aderman was President

1972 A five day strike concluded with the following additions to the agreement: maternity leave, personal business days, and extra pay for extra work schedule. There were approximately 450 members.

1973 School Board withdraws bargaining rights for 670 teachers and nurses. Board imposes a salary schedule, places contract language in board policy and removes maternity leave. DEA wins arbitration case granting elementary teachers a duty free lunch period.

1973-78 No contract, no recognition, conflict between board and association, and feeble attempts to bargain.

1978-79 Robert Trevarthen (new Superintendent) negotiated a three year agreement which was signed in May. Bargaining disaffiliation vote (DEA dissolved, LEAD 300 and DTA were formed)

1979-80 Two bargaining elections which LEAD 300 wins with only 71 dues paying members

 1980-81 Two more bargaining elections which LEAD 300 wins against DTA and AFT.

LEAD 300 rolls over the contract with 12.5% and 11% raises

1982-83 School closings. Last bargaining election as LEAD 300 defeats AFT.

1983-84 LEAD 300 negotiated a three year contract with 5.5%, 6%, and a third year opener on salary. Fair Share and Communications Councils were part of the contract. A+ team elected to School Board, and Joseph Scime appointed Superintendent on April 1, 1984.

1984-85 Referendum effort was launched, negotiated trigger formula for third year of the contract which included half time release for LEAD 300 President. Referendum including Sunset Clause was passed in February after a massive effort including LEAD 300.

1985-86 In September LEAD negotiated a one year extension at 7% for the 1986-87 school year. In November 1985 three pro-education candidates were elected to the board of education.

1986-87 Negotiated a three year agreement in May.

1988-89 Negotiated a one year extension of the 1987-90 agreement, setting salary, extra pay, etc. for the 1990-91 school year. The Illinois Legislature passed a two year income tax increase.

1990-91 Negotiated a three year agreement (two years on financial matters) using an involved committee process that actively involved 24 LEAD members beginning in December and concluding in a compacted bargaining session in March. Site Based language is placed in contract.

1991-92 LEAD aided in the election of 4 pro-education candidates to the school board. Dr. Scime is replaced by Dr. Wetzel as Superintendent of schools. Bob Whitehouse is appointed to a principal's position and resigns as LEAD president. Ron Babcock is appointed to finish his term.

1992-93 The third year of the contract's financial issues were settled and the contract was extended for an additional year. A March building and education referendum was defeated by a 2 -1 margin. The school district was increasing in enrollment by over 500 students a year.

1993-94 LEAD endorsed and helped elect 3 pro education and pro referendum candidates to the school board. LEAD coordinated with a strong parent group to pass by a 2-1 margin a bond issue and permanent increase in the education fund. Failure of the issues would have resulted in the elimination of 123 teaching positions. LEAD was recognized for the quality of its local leadership by having two of its members selected for state leadership roles.

 1994-95 A massive construction program started in District 300. The districts had its largest enrollment ever with over 12,500 students and 725 teachers. District 300 was awarded the National Alliance of Business/Scholastic Bronze Award for a quality program. LEAD 300 was one of districts representatives in Washington D.C. LEAD 300 President, Ron Babcock was awarded the IEA President's Award at the IEA Representative Assembly for the work of LEAD in the improvement of education in District #300. LEAD negotiated and ratified a 4 year contract with many protections of the profession, increased benefits for non-tenured teachers and the creation of a Professional Development Committee. Finally, LEAD was one of ten associations from around the nation asked to present at the NEA Representative Assembly Pre-Conference.

1995-96 The district grew to just under 14,000 students and 800 teachers. In November of 95 LEAD help elect 5 pro-education school board candidates. LEAD/D300's recognition as a premier district continued with presentations at many national and state conferences. Some of the presentations were for the IEA, NEA , local associations and business organizations.

1996-97 Westfield School opened as a K-8 building. Dundee-Crown went to block scheduling, CMS adopted a dress code, and other buildings continued to purse excellence in education. The Professional Development Center opened at Westfield. District 300 received numerous awards and recognitions. The most prestigious being two from the Lincoln Foundation for a Commitment to Excellence. District 300 was also mentioned as a model district by Governor Edgar in his "State of the State Address". LEAD continued in its leadership role in the state with members on the State Board of Education's Framework on the Future of Teaching and as a member of the State Teacher Certification Board.Nationally LEAD members hosted foreign teacher leaders and presented at National Conferences. In the Spring the state legislature failed in its attempt to fully funding the schools in the state of Illinois.

1997-98 In the fall 3 LEAD endorsed candidates were elected to the School Board and a 78 million dollar building referendum was defeated.A similar referendum was defeated in the spring. LEAD 300/D300 representatives presented at Conferences around the county and through out the state. LEAD membership topped 935 teachers. This Web site was created to enhance communiction to members. Dennis Cleveland was elected president.

1999-2000 LEAD 300 initiated a Baldridge based quality process. A contract for July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2003 was negotiated and approved. The contract contained language addressing the new Teacher Certification Process. The bargaining unit at this time represented over 1000 District 300 non-administrative educators.

2000-2001 LEAD 300 Membership passed the 1000 member mark. LEAD began to establish a working relationship with IEA's largest locals including Elgin, Rockford, Naperville, Wheaton, Springfield, Decatur, Indian Prairie, Bloomington, and St. Charles to address common problems and issues.

2002 - 2003 LEAD 300 continued its Baldrige based quality process with increased emphasis on strategic planning, process design and management, and continuous improvement efforts.

 CURRENT OFFICERS:

President Dennis Cleveland (IEA OFFICE: 742-2334)

Vice President Secondary Lisa Holbrook ( Dundee Crown High School )

Vice President Elementary Kolleen Hanetho ( Liberty Elementary )

Secretary Linda Morning ( Dundee Middle School )

Treasurer Ed Garofalo ( Westfield Middle School )

Past presidents - Jack Lurain, Harold Green, Gerald Green, Catherine Freeman, Charles Hamerlund, Fred Meyer, Margaret Luby, Jack Widener, Mary Aderman, Mick Williams, Elden Marwood, Paul Fritz, Jim Carrigan, Diane Widaman, Tom Pitello, Karol Bullen, Judy Washburn, Jim Borello, Lorri Taylor Powell, Brian Husted, Judy Gallagher, Bob Whitehouse and Ron Babcock.

Back to LEAD 300 Home Page Last modified 1/9/03