Photo courtesy Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association: Sarasota's Rally For Teachers.

The Sarasota County School Board last week reached a deal with the teachers’ union, promising raises for its effective educators and setting a $12 minimum wage for other district employees. The conclusion of talks ended more than a year of negotiation.

“I’m delighted that an agreement has been reached,” said Sarasota County School Board Chair Jane Goodwin. “Now our teachers and staff can feel confident that we appreciate the hard work they do each day for students.”

The final deal promises a 3.25% raise in salary for teachers rated as “effective" and a 4.25% increase for those evaluated as “highly effective.” Meanwhile, non-instructional employees for the most part will get a 3.75% increase in salary.

The district also agreed to a $12 minimum wage for all district employees, something that means many bus drivers, teacher’s aides and other district personal will see salary increases of as much as 33%.

Union leaders credited interim Superintendent of Schools Mitsi Corcoran for helping bring negotiations to a conclusion.

“Mitsi single-handedly turned the atmosphere around and brought bargaining to a reasonable conclusion for both sides,” said Barry Dubin, executive director of the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association, in a statement released on social media..

The deal also comes months after the district parted ways with Superintendent of Schools Todd Bowden, who had butted heads with the union during contract talks.

The district remains in the searching process for a permanent superintendent, and officials happily dispensed with union friction, ultimately settling on a contract similar for teachers to one they have worked under for the past two years.

“Both sides worked hard to reach an agreement, and we would like to thank each bargaining team for their hard work and dedication to seeing this long process come to an amiable conclusion,” reads a joint statement from the district and the union. 

Photo courtesy Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association: Sarasota's Rally For Teachers.