West Frankfort teachers begin school year without contract; mediation set for Sept. 10

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — Teachers in West Frankfort stood outside their schools Thursday morning to voice concerns as they began the academic year without a contract in place.

Members of the West Frankfort Federation of Teachers Local 817, which represents certified employees in Community Unit School District 168, said they are working under expired contract terms while negotiations with the district continue. The union, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, also handles grievances and labor disputes for its members.

Superintendent Matt Donkin said the district’s most recent three-year agreement expired just before the start of the 2025–26 school year.

“The Board and the Union have been in contract negotiations for a successor agreement since May,” Donkin said in a statement. “Both sides are continuing to meet and work through the issues while following the provisions of the previous contract. Schools continue to be in regular session as we work to educate our students each day.”

Union leaders said mediation is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10. If no agreement is reached then, further action may be considered.