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Citrus County School Board says impasse limited to state TSIA growth funds; teachers and staff press for larger raises and insurance relief
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Hebert told the board the declared impasse applied only to the Teacher Salary Improvement Allocation growth funds and that bargaining will continue; dozens of teachers, paraprofessionals and union representatives urged the district to offer larger raises or different insurance arrangements during public comment.
Superintendent Dr. Hebert clarified during the board meeting that the school district declared an impasse only on the state Teacher Salary Improvement Allocation (TSIA) growth funds and emphasized bargaining would continue on other economic and language proposals. “The impasse was declared on the TSIA growth allocation only,” he said, adding bargaining sessions were scheduled later that week and on Monday, Oct. 20.
Why it matters: The TSIA is state money designated for increases to classroom-teacher compensation and must be accounted for in district plans by Oct. 1, state law requires. Teachers and support staff told the board the district’s announced package, when combined with large increases in health premiums, would leave many employees effectively taking home less pay.
At the public-comment period, more than a dozen district employees described personal and financial strain. “Care alone doesn’t pay the bills,” said April Renfro, a district support employee, asking the board to consider modest paid holidays and other measures that would help lower-paid support staff. Victoria Smith, a Citrus High School teacher and CCEA member, said bargaining had proceeded in good faith and union negotiators were surprised when the district declared impasse on the TSIA element; she urged a return to the table.
Other speakers gave similar testimony. “This offer sends a painful message that the people who shape the future of this community aren’t worth a fair livable wage,” said Rachel Miller, a teacher and Citrus Schools graduate. Several speakers said small percentage increases would be erased or outweighed by higher monthly health-insurance contributions and premium spikes. A paraprofessional said many lower-paid staff already rely on food banks and second jobs.
District position and next steps: Dr. Hebert said the board and district negotiating team remain willing to continue discussions and are scheduled to meet for an all-day bargaining session on Oct. 16 and again on Oct. 20. He reiterated the district “has never left the bargaining table” and characterized the impasse as limited to the TSIA growth allocation. Board members said they were sympathetic and expressed a desire to find creative solutions, while noting the district’s budget and state requirements limit options.
What wasn’t decided: The meeting did not produce a final economic settlement, nor did it include a roll-call vote on any contract language. Several speakers asked for concrete changes to the district’s health-insurance structure and for raises that meaningfully increase take-home pay; those requests remain under negotiation.
The board did not take formal action on bargaining terms at the meeting; superintendent and union bargaining teams will continue talks and are scheduled to meet again as noted above.
