Tampa, Fl. (September 1, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased 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 tentative agreement provides a compensation package of $5.4 million, including over $2.8 million in recurring costs and over $2.6 million in non-recurring costs.

Under this agreement, all employees assigned to the transportation department will receive a one-time, non-recurring Recruitment and Retainment Incentive of $2,500. 

All other eligible employees in the HSEF bargaining unit on steps 1-23 will move one step on the salary schedule and receive an additional one-time, non-recurring payment of $200. Those at the top of the salary schedule on step 24 will receive a one-time, non-recurring payment of $1,250. 

“We are grateful to have reached a tentative agreement with our HSEF partners that includes salary increases and supplemental payments. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to recognizing and supporting the valuable contributions of our staff while strengthening our ability to attract and retain the dedicated professionals who make a difference in the lives of our students every day,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.

This tentative agreement guarantees that all eligible HSEF bargaining unit employees will receive a pay increase.

In addition, the district agreed to regrade all Laborer positions as well as Communications Technicians, and Senior Communications Technicians. 

"We are proud to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the employees in our bargaining unit. This represents an important investment in our workforce and our future. We are grateful to all of our staff members for their unwavering commitment to our schools, students, and community,"

School Board Members and Superintendent Van Ayres have prioritized reaching employee contract agreements as quickly as possible to support staff retention and attract top talent to our district. District leaders value the dedication and professionalism of our employees, who consistently go above and beyond to achieve positive outcomes for our students.

In addition to this tentative compensation agreement, employees in this bargaining group will also receive a $3,000 supplement made possible by Hillsborough County voters, who approved the Millage Referendum in 2024.

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.