Tampa, Fl. (September 4, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce the district has reached a tentative compensation agreement with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) for Education Support Professionals (ESPs).

The tentative agreement provides a compensation package of more than $2.4 million in salary increases. 

Based on the district's current budget, the bargaining team was able to offer a one-level advancement on the Instructional Support Salary Schedule for all eligible employees in the bargaining unit.

In addition, the tentative agreement allows eligible employees at the top of the salary schedule to receive a $1,500 one-time top-level payment.  

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement for Education Support Professionals that recognizes their valuable contributions to the success of our students. With the school year off to a strong start, we look forward to building on our momentum and accomplishing even more together for our students," said Superintendent Van Ayres. 

As part of this tentative agreement, the Board agrees to pay the full cost of an employee-only health insurance premium.

It is important to note that this tentative agreement was reached at the negotiating table and must still be ratified by the employees in the bargaining unit and approved by the Hillsborough County School Board.

"We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement for the 2026-2027 school year for our ESPs. This agreement reflects a collaborative partnership between the district and our employee group and recognizes the dedication, hard work, and contributions of employees who support our students with excellence each day across Hillsborough County," said HCTA President Rob Kriete.

"This reflects meaningful progress for the dedicated professionals who support teaching and learning across our district. As we celebrate this step forward, we remain committed to continuing our efforts to ensure these essential employees receive compensation that reflects their dedication, hard work, and impact on student success," said Regina Gambrell, Vice President, HCTA.

In addition to this agreement, each support staff member is receiving a $3,000 salary supplement thanks to Hillsborough County voters who overwhelmingly passed the Millage Referendum last November. Those salary increases have already been realized as staff began receiving the increases in their first paycheck of this school year.