District reports union contract settlements and thanks Manatee County for bus accident support

District officials told the St. Lucie County School Board that bargaining units have ratified compensation agreements and that the district received crucial support from Manatee County schools after a weekend bus accident involving students.

Dr. Summers (Assistant Superintendent/Interim superintendent in the meeting) said, “We are very pleased to announce that all union compensation agreements have been successfully settled with each of our bargaining groups,” and noted one bargaining group ratified at 100% support.

David Freeman, identified in the meeting as President (of a bargaining/union body), praised the negotiated settlements but warned about funding limits from the state. Freeman said roughly $18,000,000 is diverted each year from local public schools to private school scholarships, a figure he presented to illustrate funding pressures on the district.

Summers also thanked Manatee County schools for stepping in after two of four district buses carrying about 150 Fort Pierce Central band students were involved in an accident during a field trip; Manatee provided replacement buses and drivers and worked alongside district staff to ensure students returned home safely. District officials named district transportation and school leaders who assisted overnight in coordinating the response.

Other items in the superintendent’s remarks included recent community engagement events — an economic development luncheon attended by about 175 business and community professionals and a realtor breakfast attended by about 80 local real estate professionals — which district leaders said helped publicize district programs and the district’s recent A grade from the Florida Department of Education.

No formal board action was taken on the superintendent’s report items; they were presented for information.