As of the Feb. 1 negotiation meeting, no agreement was reached between the SRCS and Santa Rosa Professional Educators.

Although, SRCS countered with a better offer, the amount was only 2.21% out of the county’s Discretionary Fund Budget and less than deals they have made with other employee groups. 

That 2.21% combined with the State’s Teacher Salary Increase Allocation of 1.8% would have made a raise of 4.01% total.  The 1.8% is from the State of Florida’s goal to increase teacher pay across the state but it feels as though it is being held hostage.  

SRPE strongly returned with a counter offer prepared of 4.84% (1.8% + 3.04%) which was down from their last request of 5.04% (1.8 + 3.24%.)  Their request was reasonable in light of their extra work load that saves SRCS money, an A District rating, and of course the health insurance hikes that they have had to shoulder. 

The district was not prepared to accept their offer and instead was argumentative, disrespectful of our teachers’ ability to understand the raise percentage breakdowns and even accusatory of the validity of SRPE Teacher’s survey expressing how they feel regarding the district’s treatment.

As a parent who truly appreciates how teachers pour into our kids every day, it was painful to watch.  Give our teachers what they have reasonably asked for!  They deserve so much more.  SRCS should be a cheerful giver of a strong raise in light of our teachers’ continued service and loyalty to this county.  

SRCS District Leadership, please agree to the terms SRPE is bargaining for. We need our teachers to feel valued and appreciated for the sake of our children.  Please bring these negotiations to a swift close by accepting SRPEs latest offer.