Polk County Schools Selects New Board Lawyer and Updates on Employee Benefits

News Summary

Polk County Public Schools is in the process of selecting a new board attorney, inviting community members to participate in meetings. Additionally, the district is considering employee contributions towards health coverage due to financial concerns, while also preparing for significant salary raises for educators and discussing a potential property tax referendum for future funding.

Polk County Public Schools on the Move: Key Updates on Board Attorney Selection, Health Coverage, and Employee Contracts

Selection of a New Board Attorney in Full Swing

Polk County Public Schools is gearing up to finalize the selection of its next board attorney. Community involvement is highly encouraged, as the district invites local residents to attend crucial meetings regarding this significant decision. The Jim Miles Professional Development Center at 4270 Wallace Road, Lakeland, will host meetings, with the first round of candidate interviews kicking off on Tuesday, April 15, at 9 a.m.

During phase one of this process, a special meeting will be held to formally commence the interviews. Board members are set to conduct one-on-one interviews with three candidates, focusing solely on their qualifications without taking any official action. The excitement continues with phase two, commencing on Wednesday, April 16, where the board will engage in panel-style interviews during an open meeting. Observers will have the opportunity to witness the dialogue and provide public comment before any final decisions are made. Community members wishing to voice their opinions must register upon arrival by completing a speaker’s form. Detailed meeting agendas and candidate profiles are available on the Polk Schools website.

Health Coverage Reviews Spark Concerns

In a significant shift from past practices, Polk County Public Schools is contemplating employee contributions towards health coverage within the next one to two years. Historically, employees enjoyed no-cost health coverage, a standard that may alter due to financial constraints. Following concerns raised on March 25, discussions have highlighted the health plan’s dwindling finances. Despite ending 2024 with roughly $19 million in reserves — enough to cover a mere 43 days of average claims — the district falls short of the recommended 60-day reserve fund.

In a bid to stabilize the health plan, the district has recently allocated $5.5 million from general funds, projecting needed changes to the payment structure by 2027. The urgency to sustain a financially viable plan is echoed by Superintendent Frederick Heid, affirming that a continuation of a non-viable plan is not an option. Opposition is mounting against potential cost increases, particularly from the Polk Education Association, which aims to safeguard employees’ net income.

Potential Tax Referendum on the Horizon

Adding to the district’s complex landscape, the Polk County School Board is deliberating the possibility of requesting a property tax referendum from voters next year. Superintendent Fred Heid acknowledges the contentious nature of tax discussions, especially given that recent raises for board members and teachers have not elevated teacher salaries to competitive levels. A timeline for a potential millage referendum, targeted for the November 2026 ballot, is under preparation.

While the school board can present factual information to the public regarding the referendum, direct advocacy using public funds is prohibited. The board is contemplating forming a committee to oversee the process should it receive the necessary approvals.

Historic Salary Raises Approved for School Employees

In a significant development for district employees, new contracts are now anticipated to provide salary raises of up to 7%. Following extensive negotiations, a tentative agreement has been reached, highlighting a $25 million pay package, marking the largest salary increase in district history. Teachers can expect raises ranging from $1,200 to $3,900, while paraprofessionals and secretaries will receive increases from $500 to $2,400.

This agreement aims for “full decompression” of the teacher salary schedule, a critical move to address salary compression issues within the district. Notably, teachers will benefit from 30-minute lunch breaks starting in the 2026-27 school year, alongside a commitment to increased planning time by at least 330 additional minutes annually. The contracts necessitate approvals from bargaining units and the Polk County School Board to become effective.

Ongoing Funding Challenges

Despite the promising salary raises, concerns about sustainable funding linger, with potential cuts to programs being contemplated. District and union leaders are working diligently to uncover sustainable revenue sources to support competitive salaries and benefits. The union’s leadership is advocating for a referendum to enhance funding for employee salaries on the upcoming 2026 ballot, aiming to resolve these pressing financial challenges.

Union Engagement and Collective Action

The Polk Education Association remains a pivotal player, representing approximately 70% of school district employees. Interaction with the district has been marked by tensions, including public picketing and advocacy for improved contract negotiations. To amplify their bargaining power, the union is actively encouraging non-members to join, uniting for better working conditions and compensation.

As Polk County Public Schools continues to navigate these critical transitions, community engagement and a commitment to transparency will remain essential in shaping the future of education within the district.