Negotiations continue in Collier County over teacher's pay

Negotiations between Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) and the teachers' union continue. 

The two parties last met in November, marking the 13th time they discussed a potential raise for teachers.

The union has been vocal about the need for higher teacher salaries, even after a wage increase in 2024. 

On Thursday, the school district and the union are set to meet at 4:30 p.m. at the Collier County Education Building to seek a resolution.

Teachers have shared with WINK News their financial struggles, highlighting the need for a salary increase. Aishia Buford, a teacher in Collier County, expressed her challenges.

"When you get paid, and you pay your rent, and you have $17 left, that's not going to last you for two weeks," said Buford. "So, I have to work at UPS; it supplements my income because I have to pay for everything else - gas, power, everything."

According to the CCPS website, during this year's negotiations, the district proposed distributing funds from the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation to eligible staff by the state-mandated deadline of October 1.

The proposal included a $385 base salary increase for all instructional staff and an additional $220 for teachers rated "highly effective."

The website also stated that over the past decade, CCPS has increased starting teacher pay from $41,280 in 2016-17 to $57,000 in 2024-25, "showing a commitment to teacher compensation."

According to a breakdown by CCPS, past salary packages have resulted in overall cost increases ranging from 2.25% to 12.5%, stating, "Negotiations for further salary increases will continue, with the district aiming to balance fiscal challenges while supporting teachers."