Orange County School Board plans $3M salary increase for teachers and staff

The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) School Board convened on January 27, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary priorities and staffing needs for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on the proposed budget, which is expected to be finalized in March, and highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive salaries for staff.

The discussion began with an overview of the budget survey results, indicating that respondents prioritized resource allocation for competitive salaries. The board emphasized the need to absorb health insurance increases without passing costs onto employees, a commitment that remains a priority for the current year.

Laura, a key presenter, outlined the proposed salary adjustments for various employee classifications, noting that many positions, including teachers, instructional assistants, and custodians, are currently underpaid compared to regional competitors. The board aims to implement a minimum 3% salary increase, with some positions targeted for significantly higher raises to align with market standards.

A detailed analysis of the teacher pay scale revealed that OCPS ranks low among neighboring school divisions, particularly for steps beyond the initial few. The board proposed a restructuring of the pay scale to improve competitiveness, aiming for a 13.32% overall increase for teachers. Adjustments would also be made for instructional assistants and custodians, with specific salary targets set to enhance recruitment and retention.

The meeting also addressed the need for additional staffing in response to growing student populations and specific program requirements. This includes hiring new teachers for first grade and special education, as well as expanding support for English Language Learners (ELL) and self-contained programs. The board recognized the necessity of adding positions such as reading specialists and behavior analysts to meet the diverse needs of students.

In addition to staffing, the board discussed enhancing career and technical education offerings, including the introduction of criminal justice and media broadcasting programs. The need for improved athletic facilities and increased security personnel was also highlighted, with plans to add school security officers at various locations.

The board concluded the meeting by acknowledging the challenges posed by funding constraints and legislative changes, which will influence the final budget. They committed to ongoing discussions to refine the budget and ensure that the needs of students and staff are met effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored OCPS's commitment to improving salary competitiveness, expanding educational programs, and addressing staffing shortages to enhance the quality of education in Orange County.