Page 89 - Superintendent Report 2023-24

Labor Relations

In FY23, the District’s commitment to fostering positive employee relations, providing competitive wage increases,
ensuring compliance with labor laws, and resolving workplace conflicts has resulted in a successful year. The Department
of Labor Relations successfully negotiated and implemented new collective bargaining agreements with all labor unions,
demonstrating the District’s commitment to its employees and again providing compensation package increases of at least
6% to all employee groups.

Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association
The District reached a three-year agreement with Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) in three
weeks through collaborative bargaining and an innovative salary package, unlike any other Florida school district. Recurring
increases up to 4.4% accompanied by one-time bonuses of at least 3% again provided teachers with one of the highest raises
in Florida. Other incentives offered included:
• $1,000 differentiated pay supplements for ESE teachers
• $1,100 to elementary teachers with the Reading Endorsement
• New minimum salary of $57,813 for speech language pathologists, psychologists, and more
• Offer retired teachers up to 25 years for initial salary placement

Service Employees International Union/Florida Public Services Union
Soon after wrapping up negotiations for FY22, the District quickly focused its attention to addressing bus driver shortages.
The District led the regional market and all Florida school districts by increasing the hourly rates of existing drivers by $2.75
and establishing a $20 per hour minimum for new bus drivers. All other employees received recurring increases between
3% and 4.5% along with one-time bonuses of at least 3%. To address pay compression, the District agreed to offer custodial
lead and foreperson supplements of up to $2,000. Additionally, a new employee referral program was created, promising
a $500 referral bonus (recently increased to $1,000) for eligible employees who successfully refer an applicant hired as a
driver. With these efforts, the Transportation Services Department experienced immediate results showing an average
monthly gain of four bus drivers. The department is now on track to establish an annual increase in filled driver positions
for the first time in five years.

Association of Educational Secretaries and Office Professionals
The District and Association of Educational Secretaries and Office Professionals (AESOP) reached a tentative agreement
within minutes of starting negotiations. Tiered recurring increases and one-time bonuses resulted in some employees
receiving a combined increase of 7.5%.

Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association
With a shortage of police officers throughout Florida and the nation, the District and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent
Association (PBA) agreed to salary increases that will place Palm Beach County School District as the fourth highest-paying
agency in South Florida and the highest-paying school district in Florida. The District also introduced a 12-month officer
position to retain employees looking for a full-year job and attract officers from other agencies. Approximately 100 officers
have already taken advantage of this new duty-day schedule. The District also agreed to a 25% increase to non-contract and
outside detail rates and a $1,000 increase to the sergeant’s special duty assignment pay.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE // 89