The School Board of St. Lucie County and all bargaining units have reached agreements regarding salary compensation for the 2018-2019 school year.
Returning CTA employees will receive an $850 retention supplement. Their retro portion of this $850 (representing 7/1/18 through current) will be distributed by 12/19/18 and should equal approximately half of the negotiated supplement amount. The remaining negotiated supplement balance will be paid in equal installments over the remaining paychecks for 2018-2019.
All CU employees will receive a $250 bonus by 12/19/18. In addition, returning employees will receive a supplement in the amount equivalent to their step within the salary schedule. Their retro payment for this negotiated supplement will be distributed by 12/19/18. This retro payment will represent 7/1/18 through current and should equal approximately half of the negotiated supplement amount. The remaining negotiated supplement balance will be paid in equal installments over the remaining paychecks for 2018-2019.
All CWA employees will receive a $250 bonus by 12/19/18. In addition, returning employees will receive a supplement in the amount equivalent to their step within the salary schedule. Their retro payment for this negotiated supplement will be distributed by 1/15/19. (This timeline is due to the extended negotiations for the CWA bargaining unit.) This retro payment will represent 7/1/18 through current and should equal approximately half of the negotiated supplement amount. The remaining negotiated supplement balance will be paid in equal installments over the remaining paychecks for 2018-2019.
The supplement negotiated with the CWA is subject to ratification and School Board approval and, as with all negotiated agreements, is non-recurring unless future funding allows for them to become permanent salary increases. Unlike a bonus, supplements are treated as income and count toward retirement.
Superintendent E. Wayne Gent stated, “The District, the CTA/CU and CWA have all worked together over the last several months to get the most out of exhausted funding options stretched thin by legislative shortfalls and unfunded mandates. Salaries fall short of where we’d like them to be, and we’re committed to finding ways to increase compensation for all employees.”
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is ranked among the top one-third of Florida’s districts for student achievement. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
