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Teachers, Polk Education Association press board for 2.5% raise as vacancies top 400
Summary
Educators and union leaders at the Nov. 18 meeting urged the board to approve a 2.5% offer at bargaining and to address a reported shortage of roughly 447 vacancies and 450 long-term substitute assignments, saying retention is urgent ahead of a millage referendum.
Dozens of educators and Polk Education Association leaders used the Nov. 18 public-comment period to press the school board for immediate action on pay and retention.
Stephanie Yocom, president of the Polk Education Association, said bargaining resumes and the union’s proposal includes a 2.5% raise with non-economic commitments; she said comparable Central Florida districts have settled between 2.5% and 4% and urged the district to "dig deep" because…
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