Bargaining Continues
Update #3
Compensation, health insurance costs and paraprofessional working conditions dominated the third bargaining session for the 2026-2027 MEA negotiations on Monday, July 22. The meeting began at 5:13 p.m. and concluded at 8:50 p.m., with both sides agreeing to reconvene the following day at 5:00 p.m.
MEA presented an initial compensation proposal that included 3 percent increases for teachers, performance pay considerations, retention payments for employees with 10 or more years of service, and a proposed 50-cent hourly increase and a retention supplement for those with 10+ years of experience for paraprofessionals.
A central issue was how TSIA funding should be calculated, particularly whether Florida Empowerment (FES) dollars should be deducted before determining the amount available for teacher compensation. Bruce questioned the district’s position that the FES dollars had to be subtracted from the total dollars available and noted that other districts have reached agreements without removing those dollars from the calculation.
Paraprofessional concerns also received significant attention. The MEA raised issues involving duties performed during unpaid lunch periods, substitute-related responsibilities, training needs, scheduling, and the possibility that some work expectations could raise contract or overtime concerns. District representatives said they did not want to violate any contract or law and asked for specific examples to better assess and address the concerns.
After a caucus, the district presented a counterproposal with a total net budget of approximately $4.56 million. The proposal included a Step plus 10-cent per hour increase for paraprofessionals and did not add a new 10-plus-year retention supplement beyond amounts already included. The district also noted referendum funds and health insurance plan changes as part of their overall proposal.
Health insurance remains a major point of disagreement. MEA representatives argue that premium increases could reduce take-home pay for some employees even if salaries increased, particularly for employees covering dependents. District representatives emphasized budget limits and the need to monitor overall spending, noting that salaries make up a large portion of the district budget.
There were no agreements reached, but the parties agreed to continue negotiations the next day, Thursday, July 23, 2026.