Nassau County School Board ratifies labor contracts, approves calendar and facilities work in unanimous votes

At its Oct. 24 meeting the Nassau County School Board approved a package of labor agreements, calendar changes and facilities actions, largely by unanimous votes.

Labor agreements: Superintendent Dr. Burns recommended approval of the 2024-25 collective-bargaining agreements. Marion Phillips, president of the Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association (NESPA), told the board that 637 ballots were distributed and reported "548 yes and 5 no's" in the ratification tally. The board voted to ratify the NESPA contract. Chris Pavin, identified as president of the Nassau Teacher Association, reported a roughly 70% turnout for the NTA ratification vote and said the result was about 98% yes; the board ratified the NTA contract.

Support staff parity and retro pay: The board also approved aligning district support-staff salary and benefits with the NESPA contract group. During public comment some residents asked about communication and relative increases; union leaders and the superintendent said negotiations and ratification processes were public and that pay adjustments reflect negotiated steps and millage funding.

Calendar and administrative rules: The board approved revisions to the 2024-25 school calendar necessitated by hurricanes Helene and Milton; Burns said the district lost four instructional days and adjusted the semester schedule rather than scheduling make-up days. The board also approved advertising for public hearings on revisions to administrative rules (charter schools, safe and secure schools, collective bargaining) and adopted new administrative rules for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and for artificial intelligence.

Facilities and contracts: The board approved multiple facilities items and change orders, including:

- Callahan Elementary parent-pickup change order number 2 (approved) - MLF Hardy building window replacement change order number 1 (approved) - Callahan Intermediate School intercom replacement bid (approved) - Fernandina Beach High School HVAC renovation phase 2, change order number 2 (approved) - Resolution 1373 authorizing a technology lease purchase (approved)

All votes on listed action items were recorded as carrying by the board (vote counts recorded as 5-0 in the meeting minutes).

What this means: The approvals finalize negotiated terms for support personnel and teachers for 2024-25 and authorize a range of maintenance, safety and technology projects the district said are consistent with millage funding priorities. Several members of the public pressed for clearer public communication on negotiated increases; board and union speakers said negotiations were conducted in public sessions and that documentation is available to employees and the public.

Next steps: The district will implement the ratified contracts and proceed with the capital and change-order work; advertised administrative-rule revisions will return after the public comment period.