Orange County teachers recently ratified a new contract agreement with OCPS, but many are still not happy based on social media postings from employees.
OCPS educators ratified (91%) the new contract agreement between the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) and the School Board of Orange County (SBOC), securing a 4.01% recurring and permanent raise for the vast majority of instructional personnel, along with key improvements to working conditions.
The agreement followed months of negotiations between CTA and SBOC. In a year when the state allocated funding sufficient for only a 0.67% raise, OCCTA said it successfully negotiated an additional $38 million in local funds, allowing for a 4.01% recurring raise for Highly Effective teachers.
The new contract also included a $2 million compression adjustment designed to help close pay gaps for some experienced educators who entered OCPS with prior experience but were placed at lower salary levels.
In addition to salary gains, the ratified agreement includes several top priorities identified by members in the CTA bargaining survey, including:
- Reassignment of student due to an unfounded claim (false claims)
- 12-month deferred payment option
- Reduced the number of required days to receive sick leave donation from 10 to 4
- 30-minute lunch guaranteed (25 on Wednesdays for elementary)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) language that protects educator liability
- No meetings (including PD) after student contact time on the last Wednesday of the school year for students
- Select Supplements
“This agreement represents an important step forward, but it’s not the finish line,” said McCracken. “Our members deserve pay that reflects the true value they bring to our schools and communities. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’re even more committed to what comes next. We’ll continue moving forward, stronger together.”
Despite the positive reaction from OCPS and CTA, many teachers have expressed frustration and unhappiness online and on social media. The school district still has a long way to go to ensure teachers stay in their positions and to make sure local schools are able to educate students adequately.
As a reminder, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez agreed to an initial base salary of $330,000 back in 2022, with the opportunity to get a 3% bonus for “meets expectations” and up to a 5% performance bonus. The Superintendent also receives health insurance benefits, a $1,000,000 term life insurance policy, and an annual contribution to a tax-sheltered annuity in the amount of 8% of her base salary. On top of that, Superintendent Vazquez gets $900 each month for her personal car expenses. Economic times are tough right now for many, apparently even those with a $330,000 salary as it appears the personal automotive expenses need to be covered by OCPS. In addition to the personal car expenses being covered, OCPS will provide the Superintendent another $300 per month “for the costs associated with the performance of her duties in the accomplishment of District business.” She also has reimbursable expenses, meaning she can reimburse herself beyond the $300/month.
Educators can find the complete agreement and ways to engage in the next round of bargaining online.
