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BPS, teachers’ union end impasse with pay compromise
Brevard Public Schools and its teachers’ union tenta vely resolved an impasse Jan. 18 with a compromise on pay: a $200 bonus to all educators in addi on to a 1.5 percent salary raise.
BPS’ most recent salary o er would give a raise of $875 per year to 4,176 teachers rated “highly e ec ve” on performance evalua ons and a raise of $600 to 376 teachers rated “e ec ve.” The Brevard Federa on of Teachers countered in December by asking BPS to increase both raise amounts by $200.
Instead, a proposed $200 one- me bonus would go to all employees covered by the BFT contract, unlike state bonuses for which only classroom teachers can qualify. Money for bonuses from the school district would come from non-recurring budget reserves.
Said Superintendent Desmond Blackburn: “We worked to nancially recognize the e orts of our phenomenal employees in a way that was also scally responsible. This is an opportunity for us to get back to enjoying the collabora ve rela onship that has contributed to the culture and success of Brevard Public Schools.”
BPS also plans to provide the $200 bonus to non-union employees – excluding the superintendent, school board, cabinet and school board a orney.
In the mean me, BFT membership must vote on ra ca on of the contract proposal. If ra ed, the contract would then go to the school board for nal approval as early as Feb. 13.
Upon board approval of a contract with BFT, the salary increase for teachers would appear in their Feb. 28 paychecks. A lump sum of retroac ve pay for the school year would appear in their March 30 paychecks. The $200 district bonuses would be paid in April.
“We’re se led on money,” BFT President Dan Benne said at a bargaining mee ng Thursday. “We like that the bonus would go to all of our employees including those who are coming back from leave and teachers who are just star ng their careers.”
Furthermore, on Jan. 19, Brevard Public Schools tenta vely agreed on pay with the union that nego ates for 3,111 support-sta employees such as clerks, cafeteria workers, bus drivers and instruc onal assistants. The proposed agreement would provide a 1.5 percent salary increase plus a $200 one- me bonus for all employees covered by the contract with Local 1010 of the Interna onal Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
Those terms with Local 1010 match the raise and bonus tenta vely accepted by the Brevard Federa on of Teachers. Next, Local 1010 members must vote on ra ca on of the contract proposal. If ra ed, the contract will go to the school board for approval.
If approved by the board, the salary increase will rst appear on March 15 pay deposits. Retroac ve pay will be in employees’ April 15 pay. The $200 district bonus would be in their April 30 pay.
Teachers who want to weigh in on the proposals can contact the Brevard Federa on of Teachers at 321-636-3323.
Support sta can contact Local 1010 of IUPAT at 321-704-8360.
Besides pay, BPS and BFT previously agreed upon 18 contract revisions including:
• Annual-contract teachers would be automa cally renewed if they receive two “e ec ve” ra ngs in a row on evalua ons.
• Early-release days will move to Fridays. • Teachers may use compensatory me on
early-release days.
• Teachers will be ensured two mee ng-free planning mes per week.
• Teachers will be eligible to use 30 minutes of ex me per week – outside of student-contact mes – for appointments or other needs.
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