NILES —  The Niles Board of Education and Niles District Education Association, the organization representing teachers and certified professionals employed by the district, have voted to approve three-year contracts for Superintendent Dr. Dan Applegate, as well as secretarial and custodial staff. The agreements are a result of collaboration of all those involved, and a continued commitment from all parties to student success.

“Negotiations were amicable as we all work toward achieving the same goals — recruiting and retaining exemplary staff at Niles Community Schools,” Applegate said. “Each of these roles are essential in maintaining a high-functioning school community, and I am extremely pleased with care and passion these skilled individuals offer the district.”

Applegate’s contract was extended for three years, increasing by 2-percent each year. According to Board of Education President Dana Daniels, the extension comes as a testament to Applegate’s accomplishments in his role as superintendent. During his term thus far, Applegate has managed the $40 million school bond, passed in 2015 to secure renovations of each school in the district, while increasing student outcomes at all levels.

In commitment to districtwide secretarial and custodial staff, both departments agreed to a three-year extension, with a two-and-a-half percent increase during the first year. The secretarial contract includes an additional salary step at the top of the salary schedule in year two and three as well as an increase in the starting pay. The custodian contract includes an increase in an allowance for work safety attire and 2-percent increases in salary across in the second and third year.

“Niles Community Schools has made tremendous strides over the past few years and sustaining an excellent partnership with our teachers and support staff is essential to maintaining that momentum,” Daniels said. “The positive contract modifications represent the result of hard work from our staff, and continued advocacy from District leadership on behalf of employees at all levels.”

For more information about Niles Community Schools or to enroll a child, visit nilesschools.org or call (269) 683-0732.