OCPS, OCCTA at impasse — again

For the third time in four years, Orange County Public Schools and the Orange County Classroom Teacher Association are at an impasse, and OCCTA rejected a district offer to increase teacher salaries by 2% at a meeting Sept. 13.

Union representatives said they proposed an average increase of 4.4%, while the district wishes to maintain an average 1.9% increase.

The OCCTA opposed also recent changes to the Instructional Evaluation System, approved in July by the state, to reduce the burden of evaluations on teachers and ensure a more streamlined approach.

"Teachers can't afford to support their families in Orange County," OCCTA President Clinton McCracken said in a prepared statement. "This is unacceptable. Trying to pay your bills and keep up with the cost of living is weighing heavily on teachers."

In their own prepared statement, OCPS officials said the OCCTA made several false claims in a recent announcement. 

"To be clear, OCPS is not in conflict with the OCCTA, has never offered a 1.9% average raise for teachers, and the superintendent has not forced this impasse in any way," officials said. "OCPS has always negotiated in good faith with the CTA and already agreed with the union on several key changes."

The changes listed include that all advanced degrees are recognized and qualify for the supplement; communication will be sent to principals so unnecessary meetings are not scheduled the Wednesdays before report cards or progress reports are due; clarification on remote work for non-classroom teachers; clarification for remote work for the four days to write Individualized Eduction Programs; and the creation of the Labor Management Committee.

"The union rejected the district’s offer of a 2% salary increase, which would have resulted in 2.25% salary increase for highly effective teachers and 1.7% for effective teachers," OCPS officials said. "Combined with salary raises funded in 2024, all teachers evaluated in 2023 will have received a minimum 9.45% salary increase. Highly effective teachers, which comprise 93% of the district’s teachers, will have received an 11.95% increase for the same time period."

OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said the district's valued teachers are at the heart of what makes OCPS one of the nation's leading school districts. 

“It is our hope the OCCTA understands these changes not only benefit their members but also ensure a balanced, fiscally responsible budget for the benefit of our entire community," she said in a prepared statement. 

However, OCCTA representatives said Vazquez once again "pushed teachers into an impasse in contract negotiations.

“Earlier today, the superintendent remained inflexible as the teachers made a last-ditch effort to find common ground and avoid reaching an impasse,” OCCTA officials said. “The superintendent flatly refused to provide any additional monies to give teachers and their families fair raises. She also rejected protections for families, refusing parental leave and pumping rights. The district insisted on removing teachers' voices from the evaluation process, as well. The remaining issues will ultimately be decided by the School Board. Teachers urge the School Board to put the students and the public first.”

OCPS Media Relations Administrator Michael Ollendorff said the OCCTA requested to forgo the appointment of a special magistrate and move the process directly to the School Board for a final resolution, as permitted by law. 

A hearing will be scheduled for some time next month.

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