Nearly 400 High School District 230 teachers showed up to Thursday’s School Board meeting to express frustration with delays in reaching an agreement on a teachers’ contract.

The sea of teachers, wearing blue, sat through the two-hour long meeting as board members passed insurance rate increases and a nearly 5% taxpayer levy.

“We have worked 52 days without a contract,” said Michelle Etchason, president of the District 230 Teachers Association. “We deserve better. It’s time to get this contract settled.”

The district is made up of Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Sandburg High School in Orland Park and Stagg High School in Palos Hills.

Etchason declined to divulge her outlook on negotiations, saying she hoped an agreement will be reached at the next mediation session on Nov. 11. If the school and the union fail to compromise during three mediation sessions, the teachers’ union could take steps to go on strike.

“We are looking forward to our upcoming bargaining dates and are hopeful with the help of the federal mediator we will be able to come to an agreement that best supports our students and staff,” Etchason said in a statement Friday.

District 230 communications director Jennifer Waterman said board members are also optimistic about reaching an agreement.

“They are committed to continuing good faith bargaining efforts, listening and reaching a fair contract for staff while upholding the fiduciary responsibility of the board to its taxpayers, all while focusing on long-term financial sustainability in an environment that poses incredible challenges for school financing within Illinois,” Waterman said.

Financing challenges led the board to pass a nearly 5% increased levy, expected to raise $142.7 million for numerous district operations with collections starting in the spring. The move follows last summer’s historically high property tax bills, triggering outrage from south and southwest suburban homeowners, who in some cases say they can no longer afford to live in their communities.

According to the board, 80% of all funding for the district comes from property taxes. The state contributes about 10% and the remainder is covered by federal and other local governments.

The board approved a smaller, supplemental levy to pay principal and interest on the district’s outstanding bonds, as well as a steep increase in medical plans for district employees. An overall 21% cost increase means premiums will go up 4% for employees’ dental plans and between 11% and 28% for medical plans.

“We know as a board that health insurance can be a vital component to the lives of our staff, individuals and their families,” board President Lynn Zeder said before asking the board to approve the insurance renewals.

“Although these rates can be challenging, both for our individuals in the form of increased premiums and out district budget in terms of the work portion, we hope to keep creative thoughts and meaningful collaboration with all individuals to keep costs down into the future.”

ostevens@chicagotribune.com