Teachers press Lake County board for higher pay as bargaining continues

Educators and bargaining‑unit representatives urged the Lake County Schools board to raise pay, address working conditions and preserve benefits during a lengthy public‑comment period at a school board meeting.

The district’s superintendent told the board that Lake County Schools “continues to work collaboratively with both of our bargaining units through the collective bargaining process,” and that both sides remain committed “to finding a fair and fiscally responsible solution.” Several teachers and Lake County Association (LCA) representatives told trustees that current compensation, rising household costs and larger class rosters are forcing some educators to take second jobs or leave the district.

Elizabeth Emery, speaking as an LCA representative, thanked district leaders for including employee input on wellness clinics and said the union seeks continued partnership on fair compensation, workload and due‑process protections. “When educators thrive, students thrive,” Jessica Sawicki, a teacher representing district educators, told the board. “When you invest in them, you invest directly in our students and the future of Lake County.”

Teachers described personal and classroom strains in detail. Ed Anderson said, “I’m tired. I’m tired… I’m not gonna quit, but I’m tired,” citing multiple jobs, rising costs and long commutes. Tara Quinn, a ninth‑grade English teacher at Southlake High School, said her roster grew from 140 to 170 students, effectively adding a full class without extra planning time or compensation. Alexis Lewis said she grades far beyond contract time and that meaningful feedback on assignments can take hours.

Several speakers highlighted insurance and pay‑compression concerns. Shelly Mora, a 21‑year educator, said veteran teachers get only a small increase above a new teacher’s pay and noted summer work required to relocate classrooms after construction. Arlene Silvera, a fifth‑grade teacher, described being the sole household provider and asked the board to prioritize “a meaningful raise for teachers.”

Union leaders and teachers described specific requests and steps: continued negotiations in collective bargaining, review of insurance plan decisions by a joint insurance committee and greater attention to class size and workload. Elizabeth Emery said the joint insurance committee will reconvene after an upcoming session to vote; the superintendent confirmed that employees are engaged in those conversations.

Board members acknowledged the comments and described constraints. Trustee Mathias noted the district’s funding shortfall and said the Florida funding formula (FEFP) leaves Lake County below average in per‑pupil state funding; he urged collective advocacy to state lawmakers. The superintendent and trustees said they would continue bargaining and work with legislators on funding but did not announce a board decision on raises at the meeting.

The board scheduled a workshop with RSM and an executive session the following Tuesday, the superintendent said, and trustees described the bargaining process as active. No formal salary increase or board vote on pay was recorded during the meeting; the matter remains under negotiation.