ORLANDO, Fla. — It's a historic investment into the Florida education system, and that's exactly how Gov. Ron DeSantis described the $1.25 billion that he's promising to allocate to boost teachers' starting salaries. And while many applauded the move, some say there are other issues that need to be addressed.
What You Need To Know
- Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a historic $1.25 billion investment into Florida's education system, in which he's promising to use the money to boost teachers' starting salaries
- Many Orange County school teachers are already expecting a 9% pay increase next school year, following an agreement made between the Orange County Classroom Teacher's Association and the district back in April
- Educators and union representatives shared their thoughts on the governor's announcement and say they are grateful for the efforts to address the major salary concern. However, both educators and state union reps say that there's more that needs to be done
During the announcement DeSantis said, “This is the most we’ve ever done in Florida history," as he discussed plans to dedicate more than a billion dollars toward pay increases for educators. While many applauded from the room, a teachers’ unions representative had other things to say about the lack of involvement educators have actually had in this issue.
"It’s kind of hard to find common ground when all the governor wants to do is hold a press conference with politicians and not with students, not with parents, not with educators who work in our public schools," said Andrew Spar, the president of the Florida Education Association. (FEA)
The relationship between DeSantis and Florida teachers’ unions has a rocky history, with DeSantis banning automatic due payments to teachers’ unions. Despite the tension, educators say they are grateful for the increase in pay; and they're looking forward to seeing that boost come next school year.
However, for one Orange County middle school teacher, salaries are just the tip of the iceberg.
“We got to continue to improve on benefits, improve on retirement, improve on the working conditions. And I think the field is going to get better, I think the governor is showing he wants to put the money into it," said Robert Prater.
The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association came to an agreement with the district back in April. That agreement included an increase for some OCPS teachers that would boost their salaries by 9%.
Though teachers’ unions representatives have come out to share their gratitude for the governor’s focus on salary concerns, they say he is leaving important people out of the conversation. The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association shared its thoughts on the latest announcement regarding education in a statement sent to Spectrum News 13:
“We’re glad the governor is finally recognizing the real problem we have with Florida ranking 50th in the country in average teacher pay. But the governor should be involving teachers in this conversation, not vilifying them.”
DeSantis said he wants to make sure that this money goes to the people that need it, being the educators, and not used to pay leaders of teachers unions.