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Teachers’ union urges board to protect bargaining, flags SB 1296 changes
Summary
A Charlotte Florida Education Association representative told the board that SB 1296 has created administrative hurdles for educators and asked the board to continue recognizing the collective bargaining agreement and to distribute state salary funds transparently to maintain equitable local pay.
Gina Morello, speaking on behalf of the Charlotte Florida Education Association, addressed the board during the public comment period on May 5, urging the district to preserve collective bargaining protections and to respond to changes from recently enacted state legislation she identified as SB 1296.
"Our union is not an outside interest group. It is the collective heart of your workforce," Morello said, urging the board to (1) continue to recognize the district’s collective bargaining agreement as foundational for staff retention, (2) ensure the district remains focused on education amid new access rules created by SB 1296, and (3) commit to a collaborative, transparent process for distributing state salary funds so local pay scales remain equitable.
Morello told the board that the union represents roughly 60% of district staff and said weakening the union would weaken classroom stability. She framed the board’s support for staff as directly connected to student learning: "Remember, the teachers' working conditions are the students' learning environment."
The transcript records Morello’s request and the board’s acknowledgement but does not show a formal response from the board or actions taken that night to change district policy. The board proceeded to routine agenda and action items after public comment.
