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Polk Education Association

 Protect. Educate. Advocate.

Learn More About Current Negotiations

You union works hard each year to negotiate the best contracts for all of our teachers, Paras, and ESPs. Learn more below!

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Bargaining 26-27 School Year

Upcoming Bargaining Dates:

  • Wednesday, September 16th from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Monday, November 9th, 2026 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

  • Wednesday, December 9th, 2026 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

(all sessions will be held at Jim Miles Professional Development Center)

 

Bargaining Session #4:

At the fourth bargaining session of the 26-27 school year, the district began submitting their counters to previously proposed language from PEA. Two articles were tentatively agreed on: Para Article 5 and ESP Article 4, both of which updated non-discrimination language AND added a clause to protect employees from harassment and abusive language (language already included in the Teacher CBA).   The district provided counters to Teacher 4, 14, 17, 20, 22, and 31, as well as Para 8 and ESP 6, all containing language the bargaining team was not ready to agree to and is reviewing.  View the entire bargaining session here: https://www.youtube.com/live/XV2CZy7HYF8?si=9uduZtPVt8c4o8lv 

Bargaining Session #3:

At the third bargaining session of the 26-27 school year, PEA brought forth many language proposals for our open book.  These included: codifying orientation MOU language, adjustments to language surrounding supplemented roles, paid family leave, increase in bereavement leave, active- duty leave, adding anti-harassment language to Para and ESP contracts (existing in teacher), classroom and caseload ratios for a variety of positions (ESE, CDAT, School Psychologists, Counselors, SLPs/OTs/PTs, etc.), updates to the supplement amounts and language, clarification of the transfer process (including date specific timelines), special activity pay changes, extended contract clarifications, the storage of classroom belongings over the summer, specifying hours and activities for Deans outside of the duty-day, planning time for ESE facilitators, breakfast and lunch for employees, office space, and more (see full video linked here for details).  The employer countered some of the language proposals but will be bringing full responses in writing to the next session.

Bargaining Session # 2:

 

At the second bargaining session of the 26-27 school year, PCPS brought a counter proposal for distribution of the TSIA funds only, citing the need to wait for budget finalization in September to discuss other funding.  Their proposal included 6 level movements for all "Classroom Teachers" with 10+ years of experience, with no proposal for all other employees (i.e. non-classroom teacher positions such as coaches, deans, media specialists, counselors, etc.).  They cited the legislatively imposed timeline for an agreement on such funds which must reported by July 31st, per the new law.

PEA countered with including a 6-level movement, as proposed by the district, for eligible employees, plus a 6-level movement for all non-classroom positions with 10+ years, a 3-level movement for all teachers with less than 10 years, plus $0.50/per hour for all Paras and ESPs.

The district countered that proposal with the 6-level movement for eligible employees, plus a 1 level movement for all others under the teacher contract with 10+ years of experience, and a promise to bargain money for all after the finalization of their budget in September.

 

PEA agreed to put this proposal out for a vote of all employees covered under the teacher contract, in order to meet the timeline dictated by law.  That MOU is now live for review through district email and the vote will take place, via district email, from August 7th - 14th.

Bargaining Session #1:

During the first bargaining session of the 2026-2027 School Year, PEA and PCPS met to discuss the impending TSIA funds and their distribution.  For this school year, the earmarked TSIA funds are only allowed to be used for employees that are Classroom teachers (defined as employees whose primary job function, according to their job description, includes daily instruction of students) with 10+ years of credited Florida public school teaching experience.  An agreement, per the new law, must be reached by July 31st and the distribution of such funds reported by October 1st.

PEA brought a proposal to address the TSIA funds as well as compensation for other employees that included:

  • All teachers with 10+ years of experience would receive $1800 added to their base salary

  • All teachers with less than 10 years would receive $1000 added to their base salary

  • All ESPs and Paras would receive $0.50/per hour added to the base hourly rate

The district promised to look at numbers and respond at our next bargaining session on July 27th from 2 pm - 5 pm at the Jim Miles PD Center.

PEA Pillars for Bargaining

You voted, we listened!  Here are the PEA Pillars for Bargaining!

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Your Elected PEA Bargaining Team

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