Broward County School Board Approves New Contract with Teachers Union
Key Highlights of the Agreement
The Broward County School Board and Dr. Peter Licata, BCPS Superintendent, held a news conference this Tuesday following the Board’s vote on tentative agreements made with the Broward Teachers Union earlier this month. The agreements include:
* Base salary increases for Education Professionals, retroactive for the 2023/24 school year
* A Memorandum of Understanding regarding early release days and teacher planning days for the 2024/25 school year
Details of the Contract
The Broward County School Board voted 6-3 to approve a new contract with the Broward Teachers Union. The contract provides teachers with a raise ranging from 3.65 to 4.56%. The starting salary is now $50,266. Additionally, every teacher will receive a nearly 11% supplement from the bond referendum approved by voters.
Background on Negotiations
The Broward Teachers Union (BTU) and negotiators from Broward County Public Schools have been engaged in pay raise negotiations since last year. The union has been pushing for teachers to receive some of the roughly $11 million in unspent referendum money earmarked for mental health and school safety. The union argues that since teachers are asked to perform security and mental health functions, they should be eligible for a portion of the funds.
Conclusion
The new contract between the Broward County School Board and the Broward Teachers Union is a significant step forward in recognizing the hard work and dedication of Broward County teachers. The raises and supplements provided by the contract will help to attract and retain top teaching talent in the district. The agreement also demonstrates a commitment to supporting the well-being and safety of teachers and students.
FAQs
Q: What are the key highlights of the agreement?
A: The agreement includes base salary increases for Education Professionals, retroactive for the 2023/24 school year, and a Memorandum of Understanding regarding early release days and teacher planning days for the 2024/25 school year.
Q: What is the range of the raise for teachers?
A: The raise ranges from 3.65 to 4.56%.
Q: What is the starting salary for teachers?
A: The starting salary is now $50,266.
Q: What is the nearly 11% supplement provided to teachers?
A: The supplement is provided from the bond referendum approved by voters.
Q: Why did the union push for the referendum money?
A: The union argued that since teachers are asked to perform security and mental health functions, they should be eligible for a portion of the funds.
