The Illinois Valley Community College board approved a four-year contract with faculty Oct. 9. It had earlier been accepted by 83 instructors and counselors represented by the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810.

“This agreement provides for real economic salary increases, includes a revised salary schedule and merges various letters of agreement and understanding into the contract,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.

Estimated cost to the district averages 2.5 percent per year over the length of the contract that expires at the end of the summer session in 2018, Corcoran said.

The agreement does not add to the salary base nor does it provide for step movement the first three years; however, the starting salary does increase each year through the elimination of a step. All contracted employees will move to the high-deductible health plan by Jan. 1, 2016 and employees who remain on plans 1 or 2 in 2015 will have an additional premium share.