For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (August 15, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is excited to announce a tentative agreement has been reached with the Hillsborough School Employees Federation (HSEF).
The employees represented in HSEF include those in the areas of transportation, student nutrition services, security, maintenance, and custodial services.
This agreement provides a total compensation package of $5.4 million, including over $4.9 million in recurring costs and $576,000 in non-recurring costs. It guarantees that all eligible HSEF bargaining unit employees will receive a pay increase by advancing one level on the new support salary schedule.
Employees at the top of the salary schedule will receive a $2,000 one-time payment.
“We are deeply grateful to have reached a tentative agreement with our HSEF union partners that includes salary increases and supplemental payments. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to valuing our staff, and it strengthens our ability to retain the dedicated professionals who make a difference in our students’ lives every day,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.
In addition, the district agreed to regrade all Custodians, Custodian Crew Leaders, Assistant Student Nutrition employees, Transportation FTE Specialists, Routing and Planning Specialists, and Training and Recruitment Specialists.
“We’re proud to have reached this tentative agreement that recognizes the hard work of our staff. These salary increases and supplemental payments are a meaningful step toward ensuring our schools can continue to attract and retain the dedicated employees our students deserve. Thank you to every staff member for your unwavering commitment to our community," said Iran Alicea, President of Hillsborough School Employees Federation.
School Board Members and Superintendent Van Ayres have been committed to settling employee contracts as quickly as possible in an effort to retain staff and recruit new top talent. The district values the dedication of our employees who have gone above and beyond to ensure the success of students.
It is important to note this tentative agreement was reached at the negotiating table and must still be ratified by employees in the HSEF bargaining unit and approved by the Hillsborough County School Board.