If ratified, some school district employees will see pay increases and other benefits.
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) and the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association(HCTA)have tentatively agreed to salary increases for all eligible Education Support Professionals (ESPs).
The total compensation packageoffered to eligible Education Support Professionals amounts to $8.3 million, which includes $4.9 million for paraprofessionals and $3.4 million for ESPs.
Hillsborough County Public Schools’ offer includes the following:
- ESPs will be placed on a new support salary schedule, resulting in an increase for all eligible employees.
- A longevity stipend of $1,000 will be provided to all ESP employees who are on the top level of their salary schedule.
- The salary increases are retroactive to July 1, 2023.
- The district will pay the full cost of fingerprint monitoring fees.
- $0 premium employee-only health insurance plan.
“Recognizing the commitment and dedication of our instructional support employees has been a top priority for me and our School Board Members. The Board and I remain focused on a supportive organizational culture and salary increases are an important component of that priority,” said Interim Superintendent Van Ayres.
Johnny Green, Vice President HCTA, is pleased that well-deserved salary increases will get into the hands of the district’s support professionals. “Both sides agree to continue to be creative in getting our lowest paid employees equalized pay,” he said. “HCTA will continue to work to meet the needs of our students and support professionals.”
HCTA represents instructional and support employees. The ESP portion of the employee group includes clerical, paraprofessionals, nurses, and classroom aides, among other job types.
This tentative agreement was reached at the negotiating table and must still be ratified by the employees and approved by the Hillsborough County School Board.
