Osceola County teachers to get pay incentives

OSCEOLA COUNTY , Fla. — Osceola County teachers will receive a $2,000 supplement as part of the school district’s efforts to improve the lives of educators.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

On April 13, the Osceola County Education Association Instructional Bargaining Team and the SDOC Bargaining Team met to negotiate adjustments in teacher pay.

The school district agreed to pay teachers a supplement of $2,000 that will be reflected on their May 15 paycheck.

Read: Community garden sprouts up in the Parramore neighborhood

The Osceola County Education Association (OCEA) was hoping to receive a salary increase this year, but the supplement is an immediate solution for short-term relief.

OCEA will continue conversations to negotiate a salary increase for next year.

Read: Florida House approves tax breaks for businesses and consumers

In addition, to the supplement, the association proposed the following improvements to educators working conditions:

• Additional days off for bereavement leave.
• Additional pay for counselors, social workers, ESE/ESOL resource compliance specialists, and media specialists to cover their extra work days at the beginning and end of the school year.
• Additional planning time for teachers during testing season.
• Paycheck protection to ensure 24-paycheck employees get their summer checks on the last day of school.
• Compliance with the state statute that gives additional payment for critical need educators and teachers at Title I schools.

Read: Local school district plans new construction

According to OCEA, the school district had a positive response to these requests, and they are hopeful that more steps can be taken in their next bargaining session on May 11.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group