{"id":19453,"date":"2025-10-24T20:22:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T20:22:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/19453\/"},"modified":"2025-10-24T20:22:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T20:22:13","slug":"teacher-pay-negotiations-to-start-from-scratch-after-lcta-lcs-still-unable-to-reach-agreement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/19453\/","title":{"rendered":"Teacher pay negotiations to \u2018start from scratch\u2019 after LCTA, LCS still unable to reach agreement"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV)\u2014The Leon Classroom Teachers Association has been negotiating for increased pay and classroom support<\/a> for weeks, but now LCTA says those negotiations are starting from scratch. <\/p>\n

In a letter posted to LCTA\u2019s social media Friday, the group claims Leon County Schools expected the union to separate the votes for contract language and pay, knowing the language would likely pass even if the pay proposal failed. \u201cInstead, we acted transparently and presented one unified package for members to vote on, because that is what integrity demands,\u201d the letter read. <\/p>\n

LCTA claims this \u201cact of good faith\u201d is being used against them. The letter accuses LCS of refusing to address the issue of fair pay, which is what prevented ratification. <\/p>\n

\u201cInstead, as apparent retaliation for that decision, the District intends to throw out all of the progress we\u2019ve made and restart the bargaining process from scratch, inserting new language designed to limit employee rights,\u201d the letter said. <\/p>\n

The scathing letter from LCTA accuses LCS of not valuing its employees. \u201cStarting over serves only one purpose – to send a message that educators should accept whatever is placed before them, regardless of fairness or impact,\u201d LCTA\u2019s letter said.<\/p>\n

More Tallahassee news: <\/p>\n

A statement from Leon County Schools emphasized that the district values its employees, but it said the tentative agreement was always a single package, not two separate votes. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe District deeply values our teachers and the work they do each day for students,\u201d the statement said. \u201cHowever, we have been transparent from the beginning that the tentative agreement was a single package – compensation and contract language together – and that if rejected, the entire contract would need to be renegotiated.\u201d <\/p>\n

LCS said it respects the union\u2019s vote, but said there are no additional funds available without cutting programs. Citing depleted reserves and rising expenses, LCS said focus must now remain on \u201cprotecting classrooms, supporting students, and urging the Legislature to adequately fund public education.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tentative agreement<\/a> between LCTS and LCS was reached in early October after several rounds of negotiation. However, just weeks later, the agreement was not ratified.<\/a><\/p>\n

In Friday\u2019s post, LCTA said they \u201care ready to do the work and fight for what you and your students need and deserve,\u201d and encouraged instructional employees to submit contract language on any article for consideration. <\/p>\n

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