Collier teachers union says new pay raises still fall short after board approval

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

The Collier County School Board officially finalized a new teacher pay package Wednesday, but the teachers union says many educators still feel underpaid and disrespected.

The approved plan gives all teachers a $1,350 base salary increase, with teachers rated “highly effective” receiving an additional $880.

But Collier County Education Association President Ken Mouton says the raises still fall short.

“And the thing that they fail to mention, this is the most expensive city in Florida. And majority of our teachers, a good percentage of our teachers have two jobs,” Mouton said.

Tensions over teacher pay escalated during last week’s impasse hearing, where teachers booed and walked out after the school board approved the package.

The union had pushed for a larger pay plan, including a $3,200 base salary increase.

Mouton argued the district risks losing teachers if salaries do not keep up with the cost of living.

“We need teachers to remain here. Good teachers remain in this school district. We are currently an A-plus district. If they're leaving because the school board won't pay them, then how does that help our educational system?” Mouton said.

School board members defended the approved plan, saying they have to balance teacher pay with long-term financial stability.

“I think we have shown nothing but love and respect for our teachers. And I just want to make that clear,” said school board member Kelly Mason.

School board chair Stephanie Lucarelli said the district must ensure raises are sustainable in the future.

“We want to ensure that we can keep our teachers. And so that's why we had to be very prudent with the dollars that we have and make sure that whatever we provided as far as raises this year, we can sustain in the future,” Lucarelli said.

The district says its average teacher salary is among the highest in Florida.

But union leaders say the bigger concern is whether teachers can afford to continue living and working in Collier County long term.

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