CALUMET CITY | Beginning in August, Calumet City Elementary District 155's paraprofessionals will receive a higher hourly pay based on their years of service under the terms of a new, two-year contract.

The tentative contract agreement between the School Board and Calumet City Paraprofessionals Council 155 was reached May 1 and was approved May 14 by the union's membership. The board ratified the pact May 19.

The contract, which covers about 29 paraprofessionals and library aides, takes effect at the start of the 2008-09 school year and runs through the summer of 2010.

It is the paraprofessionals' first contract since being certified as a bargaining unit this year.

"We feel the board was very generous and understanding," said Emilie Junge, Illinois Federation of Teachers field service director. "It's really a strong contract. I think the board worked with us on this and treated (the paraprofessionals) with respect."

She said she also thinks the contract will reduce the turnover rate among the district's paraprofessionals and provides an incentive for them to stay.

"With the start of the school year the paraprofessionals will have a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their job based on this new contract," said union President Pat Phillips, a member of the union's bargaining team. "Overall, it was an extremely pleasant experience."

On average, paraprofessionals and aides will receive a pay increase of about 25 percent, District 155 Superintendent Troy Paraday said.

Those with more than 12 years in the district will receive the same percentage increase as teachers next year and the year after. During the second year of the contract, paraprofessionals with less than 12 years of experience will receive a 50-cent hourly increase.

Paraday said the board wanted to bring the paraprofessionals' salaries in line with those of surrounding school districts and to recognize and show appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

"We are extremely pleased with the fact that the starting salary in this district has been moved from the poverty level of $7.75 to $9 an hour for a paraprofessional," said Phillips, a reading instructional aide in the Response to Intervention program at Wilson Elementary School.