The Alachua County Public School District and the Alachua County Education Association reached an agreement Thursday to increase the salary package to more than $10.5 million.
Spokesperson Jackie Johnson said the record-breaking agreement more than doubles the previous record of $4.5 million from the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
Johnson said employees will receive an additional pay bump called a “step” under the agreement.
Teachers regarded as highly-effective will also receive an increase in pay. All employees who worked during the first semester of this school year will earn a one-time bonus of $1,250 and will also be eligible for a $1,000 bonus for participating in training on youth mental health and online security.
The package also includes a $1,000 bonus for veteran teachers who have a minimum of 10 years of experience.
“I appreciate the great work of everyone involved in the negotiations,” said Superintendent Carlee Simon. “We were all committed to getting our hardworking employees the significant pay increases they deserved and getting those dollars out to them as quickly as possible.”
The Alachua County Education Association will be sending out the package to all employees for a vote over the next few days. The school board will vote on the agreement on March 1.
If approved, the district plans to pay the added bonuses to the employees' March 15 paycheck.