Batavia Public Schools and BESPA Finalize New Three-Year Contract

Batavia, IL — The Batavia Public School District 101 (BPS101) and the Batavia Educational Support Professionals Association (BESPA) have reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, reaffirming their shared commitment to competitive compensation, professional growth, and robust student support services.

The agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, was ratified by BESPA members last week and approved by the Board of Education today. It includes significant wage increases, expanded training opportunities, and job title updates that reflect evolving responsibilities and modern workplace standards.
 
All BESPA employees will receive a $2.00 per hour raise in the first year, with paraprofessionals receiving a $2.50 per hour raise. Additional raises of $1.00 per hour will follow in each of the next two years. Estimated total compensation will increase by 11.9 percent in year one, 4.8 percent in year two, and 4.6 percent in year three.
 
The contract introduces differentiated pay for specialized roles, including paraprofessionals serving in self-contained programs and those certified in behavior management. It also extends employer matching contributions to all BESPA members participating in the District’s 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans.

To strengthen professional practice, the agreement builds in two annual training days and provides monthly collaboration time for paraprofessionals to work with certified staff. Several job titles, particularly in administrative support roles, have been updated to reflect current standards and expectations.
 
“This agreement acknowledges the vital work of our support professionals and reinforces the District’s ability to attract and retain exceptional staff,” said Tony Inglese, Chief Financial Officer for BPS101. “We are proud to have reached a solution that benefits our employees and supports student success.”
 
“We take pride in the results of these negotiations and value the district's readiness to collaborate with us respectfully and with a focus on solutions,” said Laura Vercillo, Vice President and Acting President of BESPA. “This agreement embodies our mutual values and dedication to the students and families of the BPS community.”

Contact Information:
 
Batavia Education Support Professionals Association
Laura Vercillo, Vice President (Acting President)
laura.vercillo@bps101.net   
(630) 937-8800
 
Batavia Public School District 101
Tony Inglese, CFO
anton.inglese@bps101.net 
(630) 937-8833