Brevard Public Schools teachers returned to work on Friday with a sense of excitement and gratitude after learning they would be receiving raises. The school district and the Brevard Federation of Teachers union reached an agreement on Thursday that guarantees instructional staff a 3.5% raise, with an additional 0.5% increase for pay-for-performance incentives. This news was met with enthusiasm from both teachers and school board officials.
One of the key highlights of the agreement is the increase in the starting salary for new teachers to $50,450, up from the previous starting salary of $48,725. This raise not only benefits new teachers but also reflects the district’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the education field. Megan Wright, school board chair, expressed her excitement about the completed negotiations and emphasized the board’s dedication to supporting and valuing their teachers.
The new agreement also takes into account the millage approved by Brevard County voters, which has helped with base salary increases for teachers at different experience levels. For example, a Highly Effective 20-year teacher who previously earned $60,000 will now see a salary increase to $70,269. This increase in base salaries demonstrates the district’s recognition of the hard work and dedication of its teaching staff.
Anthony Colucci, president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers, expressed gratitude to the community for approving the millage and to district staff for working towards a fair agreement. He highlighted the competitive nature of the salary increase and acknowledged the district’s efforts to recognize the valuable work that teachers do every day.
The agreement also includes changes to the insurance plans offered to teachers, with employee contribution increases and plan design changes. While these changes may require some adjustments, they are part of the overall effort to ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their work.
The negotiations between BPS and the teachers union have come a long way since they began in May. Initially, the district offered a 1.07% salary increase, citing funding constraints. However, the union’s request for a 12.7% increase, based on inflation and salary comparisons with other districts, pushed the negotiations towards a more favorable outcome for teachers.
With the start of preplanning and the upcoming school year, teachers are looking forward to a positive and successful academic year. The news of the salary increases, combined with the recent achievement of being rated as an A school, sets a promising tone for the year ahead. As students prepare to return to the classroom, teachers are eager to continue their important work in shaping the minds of the next generation.
In conclusion, the recent agreement between Brevard Public Schools and the teachers union represents a significant step towards recognizing and rewarding the hard work of teachers. The raises and salary adjustments demonstrate the district’s commitment to supporting its educators and ensuring a high-quality education for students. As the new school year begins, teachers are optimistic about the positive impact these changes will have on their work and the overall learning environment in Brevard County.