Teachers with families in line for income shock

“We were able to reach this agreement knowing that the employees working everyday with Manatee County’s students deserve so much more than what was made available for school districts through the legislative budget process,” MEA president Pat Barber said in a statement.

What does this wonderful agreement look like for a teacher of 22 years with a family? Well, first I will have my insurance rate go up by $3,692 for the year. This will be offset by my amazing $900 raise for the year.

Therefore, I will have a net decrease in pay of $3,242.

Thanks, Pat, but I think us teachers with a family really do deserve so much more than you and the district are offering. If you are a school board member, please do not approve this disastrous contract.

One of the major issues I have is that very few teachers are aware of this drastic change which will take effect Dec. 1. The insurance premium raise comes on page 21 of the tentative agreement and is marked with shading and a key which explains what the shading means.

In our district, we have a director of this and a director of that all making about $117,000. I feel it is time to step up and support the teachers that are in the trenches and doing the lion’s share of the work.

I do feel we should compare my raise to that of our leader, Diane Greene. She recently acquired a four-year contract from $180,000 to $189,955 and her pay will increase annually at the same percentage as other non-bargaining employees.

I guess my 22 years equals a negative $3,242 and her one year equals a positive $10,000. I’m sure glad I get so much!

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Teachers with families in line for income shock."