Darien School District 61 and teachers reached a two-year contract giving educators annual 3 percent raises.

District 61 Superintendent Warren “Chip” Johnson said the district’s 111 teachers received essentially a cost of living raise, which runs through the 2008-09 school year.

The last contract was a five-year deal, which gave teachers a 5 percent raise in the last year.

“I think with the way the finances are, the teachers preferred a two-year contract at this time,” Johnson said.

District 61 has sought a tax increase twice in the past year, but voters have rejected both attempts.

According to the State Board of Education, the district has a fund balance of about $7.6 million, which amounts to 55 percent of its revenues.

The district’s fund balance has been declining each of the past four years, according to the Web site.

District 61 board members approved the teachers’ contract by 5-0 vote last month.  Board member Mare Chiaro said Tuesday she preferred to let Johnson or Board President Katie Fujiura talk about the contract.

Fujiura could not be reached before publication.

Johnson also confirmed District 61 board member Nevin Wiest has taken a new job and probably will leave the board, though Johnson said Wiest has not resigned yet.

“My guess is it’s going to be several months before he resigns,” Johnson said.
Wiest, pastor of Westmont Alliance Church in Westmont, could not be reached for comment in time for publication.

His church’s Web site states Wiest has accepted a job at a church in Akron, Ohio.