Posted by
Tanya Arja / Erin Maloney
on
8/26/2022 1:48:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Erin Maloney
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (August 26, 2022) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has reached a tentative agreement with the Hillsborough School Employees Federation (HSEF), providing non-recurring salary increases.
Under this agreement, and by state law, all employees in the HSEF bargaining unit making less than $15 an hour will be brought up to $15 per hour, retro to July 1, 2022.
In addition, each bargaining unit employee who currently makes more than $15 per hour will receive a $3000 one time payment for the current school year. For the employees who will be brought up to $15 per hour, if their increase is less than $3000, the district will provide a one-time payment for the difference.
The employees represented in HSEF include those in the areas of transportation, student nutrition services, security, and custodial services.
Superintendent Addison Davis and School Board Members have been committed to improving compensation packages for district employees in an effort to retain and recruit a highly diverse workforce. While the district is disappointed that the unofficial election results indicate the millage referendum did not pass, it does not change our efforts as we fight to increase education funding for staff and students.
“Our support employees are truly the backbone of our educational system. Without them we would not be able to transport our students to and from school, fuel their minds with nutritious meals, or provide a safe and healthy learning environment. I am pleased we have been able to reach this agreement which will help us retain our valuable employees and recruit new ones to the district,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.
Hillsborough County Public Schools has implemented a Financial Recovery Plan and remains diligent as it begins to stabilize its financial health. The district continues to look for new ways to show our employees we care for them and value them.
Back in February, the School Board approved a plan to regrade bus drivers’ positions, moving them two steps on the salary pay schedule. The starting pay for bus drivers is now $16.04, from the previous $14.57 an hour.
It is important to note this tentative agreement was reached at the negotiating table and must still be ratified by the employees and approved by the Hillsborough County School Board.