Manatee school bus drivers, custodians and food workers will now make $15 an hour
The School Board of Manatee County has agreed to raise pay for bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and maintenance employees.
Board members signed off on a new contract with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, known as AFSCME, on Tuesday to increase starting pay to at least $15 an hour. Employees who have been negotiating for higher pay in the district’s support positions say they are glad to get the increase. Starting salary for some employees was $11.61.
Local AFSCME President Deanna Howell, who has worked for the Manatee County School District as a bus driver for over 14 years, helped negotiate the increased wages in the new agreement.
“I think this is a great contract for our employees,” Howell said. “We worked hard together with the district to get this contract approved so that we can focus on hiring and retaining high-quality employees.”
The pay increase goes into effect on July 1.
Under the new agreement, the school district of Manatee County has revised its pay scale so that recent hires and longtime employees will also have their pay increased to the $15 minimum.
“We are extremely pleased to have this contract in place well before the next school year begins,” Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said. “I want to thank everyone on both sides of the table for helping us to improve pay for our AFSCME employees. This new contract will help us attract and retain individuals who are critical to serving the needs of our students and families.”
Currently, the school district has more than 200 open jobs in food service, custodial and transportation. In addition to a new starting salary, the district offers health insurance, a retirement plan, and a uniform allowance.
“We are actively looking for people who want to join our team. ... We have openings and people can start immediately,” Deputy Superintendent Doug Wagner told the Bradenton Herald.
How to apply
- Visit the weekly job fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Wakeland support center at 1812 27th St. E .in Bradenton.
- Fill out an online application at manateeschools.net; search for “Support Services.”
- Call the school district at 941-739-5700.
