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Bargaining Updates

Bargaining Updates
TALC and SPALC Bargaining Updates

Dear School District of Lee County Staff,

We want to keep you informed about the progress made during the latest bargaining sessions between the School District of Lee County and the Teachers Association of Lee County (TALC) and the Support Personnel Association of Lee County (SPALC). All parties remain committed to collaborative, interest-based bargaining focused on shared priorities such as recruitment and retention, student achievement, employee morale, and fiscal responsibility.

Please visit the Labor and Employee Relations Negotiations webpage to see minutes and recordings for all sessions.

TALC Bargaining Update

The School District of Lee County and the Teachers Association of Lee County (TALC) are pleased to announce that the School Board has approved the new TALC Collective Bargaining Agreement. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to valuing educators, supporting students, and maintaining one of the most competitive compensation packages in the state of Florida.

Highlights of the FY26 TALC Contract

Instructional Time

  • The instructional day will increase by nine (9) minutes beginning in FY26 and is compensated with a 2% pay increase.

Base Salary

  • Teachers: $54,500
  • Special Instructional (e.g., School Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers): $62,500

Compression Adjustment

  • 0–2 Years: 0%
  • 3–5 Years: 3%
  • 6–14 Years: 5%
  • 15–20 Years: 4.5%
  • 21+ Years: 3%
  • A true-up adjustment will align salaries to the average salary between years 6–20.
    • Year 10 = Average of Years 9 and 11
    • Year 15 = Average of Years 14 and 16

Performance Pay

  • Performance pay will remain the same as FY25.

Additional Contractual Enhancements

  • Paid Parental Leave: Up to 20 days (4 weeks) for eligible employees.
  • Bereavement Leave: Up to 3 days per incident for immediate family members.
  • Terminal Pay: Updated to reflect current best practices.
  • Mandatory Meeting Language: Now capped at 45 minutes.
  • Career Ladder: The program will expire at the end of FY25; no new participants will be added for FY26.
  • Special Instructional Employees: Will receive one (1) day of pay for five (5) days of coverage for full contract time, not just student contact days.

A Contract that Honors Our Educators

This agreement represents one of the strongest teacher contracts in Florida, emphasizing both compensation and working conditions that reflect the value of our instructional professionals. We extend our sincere appreciation to all who participated in the bargaining process—educators, administrators, and leaders across the District and TALC—for their dedication and collaboration. Together, we continue to build a strong future for our students and our schools.

The School District of Lee County
Teachers Association of Lee County

SPALC Bargaining Update

The School Board of Lee County has officially approved the 2025–2026 SPALC Collective Bargaining Agreement at its October 7, 2025, meeting. This follows SPALC’s ratification of the contract on October 1, 2025, with an overwhelming 98% approval by members.

This year’s agreement represents a significant step forward in supporting our dedicated support professionals. The new contract includes unprecedented benefits and enhanced compensation designed to recognize the vital role these employees play in serving students and families across Lee County.

Highlights of the 2025–2026 SPALC Contract:

  • 20 Days of Parental Leave
    • Available for the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
  • 3 Days of Bereavement Leave
    • Granted for the loss of an immediate family member.
  • Immediate Terminal Pay
    • Employees are now eligible for terminal pay immediately upon separation, removing the previous waiting period of several years.
  • Salary Increases Addressing Compression
    • Adjustments have been made to ensure pay equity across years of service and job classifications.

Compensation Details:

  • SPALC employees will see their new rate of pay reflected on the October 31, 2025, paycheck.
  • A separate check for retroactive pay will also be issued for the period dating back to July 1, 2025 (or the employee’s first contractual workday for the year).

A Message of Appreciation:

The School Board of Lee County and SPALC leadership wish to thank all employees for their professionalism, patience, and commitment throughout the negotiation process. This agreement reflects our shared goal of valuing and investing in the people who make our schools operate every day. Together, we continue building a culture of respect, collaboration, and excellence in service to our students and community.

We recognize the vital role educators and support personnel play in the success of our students and schools. These negotiations are part of our commitment to improving working conditions, increasing compensation, and fostering a culture where employees feel valued and supported. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward in this process.

Sincerely,
The School District of Lee County
The Teacher’s Association of Lee County
The Support Personnel Association of Lee County