The School District of Manatee County and the Manatee Education Association (MEA), which represents teachers and paraprofessionals, have reached a tentative agreement for the 2025-2026 school year. Next, the agreement will be reviewed by teachers, paraprofessionals, and, once ratified, the School Board.
“I deeply appreciate the dedication and collaboration shown by both the district and MEA bargaining teams,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin. “This tentative agreement reflects our shared commitment to supporting the educators and paraprofessionals who make a difference every day. We are optimistic about the next steps and look forward to presenting this to the School Board for their consideration.”
Highlights of the Teacher Tentative Agreements are as follows:
- New decompressed placement schedule for teachers newly hired in 2025-2026 giving credit for experience up to 21 years.
- End the former salary schedule for teachers.
- 4.75% increase for all eligible teachers (those who worked 99 days or more last year) on the Performance Schedule regardless of level.
- 4.75% increase to the Performance Schedule degree supplements.
- $100 for teachers rated Effective and $125 for teachers rated Highly Effective who are on the Performance Schedule as required by Florida Statute.
- 4.75% increase for all eligible teachers (those who worked 99 days or more last year) on the Grandfathered Schedule, regardless of level.
- Retention supplement for 16+ and 25+ years of experience maintained.
- 4.75% increase to the Differentiated Supplement schedule.
Highlights of the Paraprofessional Tentative Agreements are as follows:
- One step movement on the salary schedule for eligible paraprofessionals (those who worked 99 days or more last year).
- $0.60 per hour increase applied to each step of the salary schedule for all paraprofessionals.
Teachers and Paraprofessionals
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the referendum supplement (the millage) for the 2025-2026 school year was signed. The referendum supplement for paras will be $3,598, and for teachers the referendum supplement will be $9,537.
- Health insurance premium rate increases at 4% for employees and employers (employees share averages 25%, and the district averages 75% of contributions to health insurance plan) with no plan changes. The premiums will be divided over 22 checks in the calendar year.
- For both contracts, all current contract language, including health insurance plan benefits, continues until 2026-2027 negotiations.
All salary improvements are retroactive to July 1, 2025…