Decatur Public Schools votes to approve three-year contract with DESPA union

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur Public Schools voted to approve a three-year contract with the Decatur Education Support Professionals Association (DESPA) at its meeting Tuesday.

The DESPA union unanimously ratified the agreement on June 9, and the contract will be effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

The agreement provides a 6-percent pay increase each year for the next three years, adds more vacation days, and introduces bereavement leave for staff.

Monica Wilks, director of human resources, and Michelle Dixson, president of DESPA, said in a joint statement that both sides are "proud to have achieved a fair and collaborative agreement."

"This contract embodies our mutual respect and shared commitment to the staff, students, and families of our district. We are thankful for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by both sides throughout this journey, and we look forward to our continued partnership in nurturing a positive work and learning environment for all," Wilks and Dixson said in the statement.