The base salary of a full-time teacher in Osceola County is a mere $48,500.
Most Osceola Education Support Professionals make less than $23,000. 

We live in a community in which the average cost of rent is nearly $2,000 per month. Gas, groceries, utilities, and all other expenses have increased dramatically over the past year, in Osceola and around the country. The situation has gotten so desperate that even the federal government has agreed to increase social security benefits by 8.7%. This is a clear indication that the economy will not be getting back to normal any time soon. 

And who will suffer? Educators. The ones who are required to give 110% at all times. The classroom teachers who must go into their own pockets to cover countless classroom costs the district ignores. AND the support professionals who provide students with extra interventions and support, cover classes, and keep the school functioning efficiently. These dedicated educators will all be left behind to deal with our community’s soaring prices...unless WE make a change. 

The Osceola County Education Association is fighting for an 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment to permanently raise educators' salaries. This adjustment is NOT an unrealistic ask - we know from the close-out of last year's budget that the district DOES have the money to make this happen. We know that employee retention and addressing salary compression are part of the district's strategic goals. And, most importantly, we know that this adjustment will allow educators to keep up with paying their bills for years to come. This is not a leg up; this is a lifeline for basic survival in these harsh economic times. 

To show your support for our educators and their 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment, sign below! 

To communicate your frustrations directly with the decision-makers, email: 
Superintendent: debra.pace@osceolaschools.net
Chief Negotiator: John.Boyd@osceolaschools.net
School Board Member: Terry.Castillo@osceolaschools.net
School Board Member: Julius.Melendez@osceolaschools.net
School Board Member: Jon.Arguello@osceolaschools.net
School Board Member: Heather.Kahoun@osceolaschools.net
School Board Member: Erika.Booth@osceolaschools.net

Note: Donations to OCEA are NOT being collected through this petition, and donations to Change.org are not required to participate.