- April 22, 2024
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On Feb. 2, the Volusia County School District declared an impasse in negotiations with the Volusia Teachers Organization and the support staff union, Volusia Educational Support Association. During the impasse process, negotiations may continue, but if not resolved, the final decision on the outcome of the negotiations will be decided by the School Board, according to a press release from the School Board.
"We are committed to finding reasonable solutions that will ultimately benefit all employees while getting our financial house in order," said Superintendent Tom Russell.
The district's prior offer of a 3.12% average pay raise to instructional staff and a 3.5% pay raise to support staff starting on July 1, 2016, was rejected by both unions.
VTO has been seeking a raise for the current year. They have objected to revisions to the health care plans, saying that would result in a net loss even with a raise.
The School Board position has been that health care benefits should be brought in line with neighboring districts, according to the press release.
Andrew Spar, president of VTO, said the union asking for a special magistrate to be assigned in the impasse process to review arguments of both sides and issue a recommendation either side my accept or reject. He said the union is also preparing for legal action because the district is trying to impose changes to health insurance for the next school year, which he says the law does not allow.
The school district and its trades union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, has settled negotiations resulting in a pay raise of 3.5% starting on July 1, 2016, and health care reforms. Those employees include cafeteria personnel, campus advisors, mechanics, warehouse personnel, maintenance technicians and bus operators. That settlement is subject to ratification by AFSCME and the school board.
