After several private meetings, the Rockford school board unexpectedly approves a one-year contract extension with the teacher's union. Now three of the district's seven unions officially have an agreement.

Union President Molly Phalen looked relieved when the board unanimously approved the exact same contract the REA has had since 2007. The agreement unexpectedly popped up on an amended agenda just before Tuesday’s meeting.

The food services and teachers union accepted a wage and health insurance freeze for next school year. The Rockford Education Association overwhelmingly agreed on the contract extension during a private vote over the weekend. Around one thousand teachers met at Guilford High School to Ratify the agreement.

Superintendent Dr. LaVonne Sheffield says the extension will give Rockford a leg up in in competing for the “Race to the Top Grant”.Both organizations were forced to form a partnership in order for the district to be considered for federal funding. Phalen says it was important to hold secret meetings in order to keep negotiations private.

“ It wasn't a done deal until the board meeting, we didn’t want to stop that from happening" said Phalen

The teacher’s union represents 2,000 employees. 250 people work in food services. Phalen says the union actually came up with the agreement and based their decision on the state of our economy.

The teacher's union contract extension for one year while the food services contract is for three. The board passed a contract with paraprofessionals last month. All three organizations accepted a wage freeze.

" Our food services workers are dedicated employees who are not high on the pay scale, so they deserve special recognition for their cooperation" said District 205 Board President, David Kelly