Frequently Asked Questions
Background
Who is part of the Lab School Education Association (LSEA) bargaining unit?
LSEA is affiliated with the Illinois Education Association/National Education Association (IEA/NEA) union. At Illinois State University, LSEA represents 125 teachers and educational support staff working at both the University’s K-12 Laboratory Schools and at the approximately 30 member school districts and special education cooperatives of the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association.
What is the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association (HILIA)?
HILIA exists in collaboration with the University and several local school districts and special education cooperatives to promote, establish, and maintain a continuum of comprehensive services. HILIA serves children in over 30 school districts across four counties with the low incidence disability of Deafness, Hearing Impairment and/or Visual Impairment. HILIA is governed by a separate, legally recognized, public body that oversees HILIA’s budget and hiring.
Why are Illinois State University and LSEA currently in negotiations?
The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (ILERB) certified LSEA as the official bargaining representative of teachers and educational support staff working at the University’s Lab Schools, including University High School and Metcalf School, and at the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association (HILIA) on May 30, 2025. The parties are now negotiating over wages and other terms and conditions of employment for a first contract. The University is committed to bargaining in good faith to complete these negotiations as promptly as possible. However, it is important to note that it is quite common for negotiations to develop a first contract to take longer than renegotiations of an existing agreement due to the significant number of foundational items that must be addressed.
When did negotiations begin?
Illinois State University and LSEA mutually agreed to start negotiations on January 7, 2026.
Current Status
What is the current status of negotiations?
As of March 19, 2026, the parties have held four negotiations sessions. The Union has presented 17 non-economic proposals, the University has presented 14 non-economic proposals, and the parties have reached verbal tentative agreements on four of these proposals. Additional negotiations sessions are scheduled for April 3 and 14.
Are any additional meetings scheduled?
As of March 19, 2026, the parties have scheduled the following dates for additional negotiation sessions:
- April 3
- April 14