When the teachers at Niles Community Schools go back to class on Sept. 2 they will do so with a new contract.

On Monday, the Niles Board of Education unanimously voted to ratify a two-year agreement with the Niles District Education Association that includes a two percent increase in pay each year.

Both sides said the negotiation process went smoothly this time, unlike the previous contract negotiation, which lasted nearly two years and was oftentimes contentious.

When asked what was different this time, NDEA President Kathy Elsner said both sides really listened to each other, while taking the time to understand one another’s needs.

“The educators anticipate moving the district forward in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill with the board of education and administrators to further improve student instruction and learning,” she said.

Elsner said both sides began talking in earnest about a new contract in May. It took only five meetings to get a new deal worked out, she said.

The previous contract expired in June.

Ratification of the two-year agreement with the NDEA comes shortly after the board’s reaching a four-year agreement with SEIU Local 517M, the district’s custodial and maintenance professionals. Terms of the agreement with Local 517M call for a two-percent raise each of the first two years, followed by an increase based on enrollment growth and a one percent increase in the fourth year, respectively.

“It was a very productive negotiation on both sides,” said Kevin Mercado, president of Local 517M. “Thank you to both the school board and to the superintendent for the work that was done.”

Supt. Michael Lindley, who took the lead of the district in April after former Supt. Richard Weigel resigned in February, said it is great to start school with the contracts in place.

“Both groups and the team representing the Board of Education approached these negotiations professionally, with a great deal of respect, and with a focus on problem solving,” he said. “I’m pleased and honored to be working with so many great employees who work diligently to benefit the students of Niles.”