Polk school board approves PEA contract with average 4.9% raise; board, union call it historic

The Polk County School Board voted March 25 to approve the Polk Education Association collective bargaining settlement for the 2024–25 school year, a package the superintendent said brings the average salary increase to 4.9%.

The agreement won public support from Polk Education Association President Stephanie Yocum, who told the board: “Polk educators will realize historic raises and fantastic wins, like 300 more minutes of self directed plan time.” The board approved the settlement by voice vote after several members described it as a necessary step to address pay compression and retain staff.

Why this matters: Board members and union leaders said the raise is the largest the district has offered in years and addresses pay compression that has left newer and lower-paid teachers disadvantaged. Superintendent Hyde described the settlement as the product of prolonged negotiations and said staff worked “very hard and diligently” to finalize the agreement. He framed the raise as one step in an ongoing effort to improve employee compensation amid local cost pressures such as housing and inflation.

Board discussion highlighted both the size of the increase and remaining challenges. Board member Fields said she was comfortable voting for the settlement because district staff “went back and back and back” to find funds and because the board is pursuing options—such as a millage referendum—to generate more local revenue. Board member Sharpless called the deal “historic” and praised the district’s effort to be fiscally responsible while increasing pay. Keyes and others thanked negotiators and said more work remains to address starting salaries and broader staffing shortages.

On implementation, board member Wyatt asked about timing for raises. District HR and payroll lead Ms. Pascoe explained the technical process for applying raises in the district’s SAP systems, noting it involves development, quality assurance and production steps. She said the district’s goal is to have the pay changes processed before the end of the fiscal year: “the end of the fiscal year is June 30,” she said.

Public comment before the vote included PEA leaders and opponents. Stephanie Yocum urged continued budget prioritization for staff and encouraged members to stay engaged for full negotiations in the fall. Some public speakers questioned district results and argued for school choice and vouchers; board members responded by defending district staff and student outcomes.

The vote: The motion to approve the PEA collective bargaining settlement passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What’s next: Superintendent Hyde said the district will provide memos to staff to explain the timeline and the district’s fiscal position as budget work continues. Board members said they expect follow-up discussions about housing, recruitment and next-year budget priorities.

Votes at a glance PEA collective bargaining settlement (2024–25 school year) — Motion to approve; mover: Ms. White; second: Mr. Sharpless; outcome: approved by voice vote with no opposition. Superintendent: implement payroll changes prior to June 30.