NORMAL -- A union contract for Unit 5 teachers and other certified staff is expected to come up for a school board vote Wednesday.

Unit Five Education Association members approved the deal on Nov. 4, capping a long negotiating process that included rejection of a previous contract offer in June.

The previous four-year contract between the Normal-based school district and the union expired in August. The 900 certified staff members, including nurses, school psychologists, social workers, librarians and speech pathologists, have been working without a contract since school started this fall.

"It's been a long process," union President Vickie Mahrt said of negotiations that started in early spring. "We're glad we have a resolution of our issues."

Mahrt declined to comment on voter turnout or details of the contract. Union and district officials agreed not to disclose details yet.

"We will issue a joint statement on Wednesday," she said.

Previously both sides said the economy has been a factor in negotiations.

"We are glad to see this process nearing conclusion," Superintendent Gary Niehaus said. "We look forward to continuing to partner with our teachers to ensure every student receives a quality education."

Union members turned down a proposed three-year agreement June 8. The district and union didn't meet during the summer months, which is a common practice because of the difficulty in getting everyone together while school is out.

After a similar summer pause in talks, Bloomington District 87's current three-year contract was approved in October 2008.

Currently, the beginning salary for a Unit 5 teacher with a bachelor's degree is $32,030, and those at the top of the education and experience scale earn $74,288.

Unit 5 schools educate more than 12,700 students in Normal, Bloomington, Carlock, Hudson and Towanda.

Mahrt, formerly vice president of the union, took the top spot when Jonathan Butler accepted a field staff job with the Illinois Education Association earlier this week.

Contract vote

What: Unit 5 school board meeting

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Unit 5 district office, 809 W. Hovey Ave. Normal

Topics: Union contract vote, property tax levy and construction and enrollment updates