The Rock Island-Milan Board of Education approved the ratified collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 882 at its Board of Education regular meeting on July 28, 2026. With the Board’s approval, the agreement became the official collective bargaining agreement between Rock Island-Milan School District 41 (RIMSD41) and AFSCME Local 882. The agreement was ratified by members of AFSCME Local 882 following several months of negotiations that began in April.
The three-year agreement is the result of collaborative discussions between District leadership and AFSCME representatives focused on supporting employees while maintaining the District's commitment to fiscal responsibility and scholar success. Throughout the bargaining process, both negotiating teams worked diligently to identify shared priorities and reach an agreement rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to serving the employees, scholars, and families of RIMSD41.
The agreement includes meaningful investments in employee compensation and working conditions. Key highlights include:
A flat-rate market adjustment for secretaries in 2026, followed by 5.5% in 2027 & 4.5% in 2028.
A new bidding process for secretaries.
A 5% wage increase for custodians in 2026, followed by 4% increases in 2027 and 2028.
A 5.5% wage increase for nutrition services employees in 2026 & 2027 and 4.5% in 2028.
Increased compensation for nutrition services employees who earn a sanitation certificate.
Paid holidays for all AFSCME job classifications.
The creation of a sick leave donation program.
These enhancements reflect the District's and AFSCME's shared commitment to recognizing employees' contributions while strengthening the District's ability to recruit, retain, and support a high-quality workforce.
Steve Quick, President of AFSCME Local 882, said the agreement reflects the collaborative spirit of the negotiations and the District's commitment to its employees.
"In my 23 years with District 41, this is the best contract I have seen. It represents a significant step forward in ensuring that our AFSCME Local 882 members feel heard, respected, and valued as essential members of the Rock Island-Milan School District #41 team."
Dr. Dominique Moore, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and the District's lead negotiator, recognized the dedication demonstrated by both bargaining teams throughout the process.
"This milestone reflects the dedication, professionalism, and spirit of collaboration demonstrated throughout the negotiation process. I extend my sincere appreciation to the AFSCME negotiating team, the District bargaining team, and everyone who contributed to these productive discussions. We value our partnership with AFSCME and deeply appreciate the essential work its members perform every day in support of our scholars, schools, and community."
“We are grateful for our partnership with AFSCME and look forward to building on the collaborative approach shown through the negotiations to strengthen our school district.” Dr. Sharon Williams, Superintendent of Schools, remarked.
This agreement demonstrates what can be accomplished when team members approach negotiations with respect, transparency, and a shared focus on supporting the people who make our schools successful.