NORMAL - Compensation and insurance are among reasons that a tentative agreement was turned down by the Unit 5 Education Association, union officials say. | DATABASE: Search school employee salaries | Union turns down tentative agreement

The proposal would have affected about 900 certified staff, including teachers, nurses, school psychologists, social workers, librarians and speech pathologists. Union members defeated the measure Monday, but would not release a vote total.

The current four-year contract expires June 30.

"Every member votes as an individual, but clearly for many members the compensation, insurance and length of contract were significant issues," said union president Jonathan Butler. "As we prepare to go back to the table with the board and administration, we will continue to gather feedback from members. We have not yet asked for the assistance of a mediator."

Butler's comments came via email in response to questions from The Pantagraph.

Normal-based Unit 5 officials were disappointed with the union's vote.

"The district put forth its best effort to attain a tentative contract agreement that is fair and equitable to all parties," Superintendent Gary Niehaus said. "We believe the Board of Education would have passed the three-year tentative contract agreement, and we are disappointed with the results of the vote considering the economic times we are in."

Beginning teachers with a bachelor's degree in Bloomington District 87 last year were paid $33,788; Clinton, $28,500; Downs-based Tri-Valley, $31,700; Stanford-based Olympia, $30,848; and Unit 5, $32,030.

At the top of the scale, District 87 paid $82,443; Clinton, $62,700; Tri-Valley, $67,965; Olympia, $71,158; and Unit 5, $74,288.

In 2007, a Unit 5 teacher's aide started at $12,310. A new contract, with a 4.5 increase by 2010, will bring $12,813.