VCSD And VUE Reach Bargaining Agreement

DeLand, FL – The bargaining process between the Volusia County School District (VCSD) and Volusia United Educators (VUE) has come to a conclusion after months of sessions. Superintendent Dr. Fritz commented, “The employees are the heart and soul of this organization. I am excited that the teams came to an agreement that demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing salaries.”  VUE President Elizabeth Albert stated, “We are pleased with the improvements agreed to within both contracts and are looking forward to continued collaboration that results in better working conditions and pay for educational professionals within Volusia County Schools.” The next step is to have the agreements ratified by VUE members in January, followed by approval of the Volusia Coutny School Board. Details of the negotiated contracts are below: VUE Support Highlights: All office specialists will earn a minimum salary of $12.00 per hour.  All paraprofessionals will earn a minimum of $12.00 per hour.  All highly qualified paraprofessionals will earn a minimum of $13.50 per hour. All office specialists and paraprofessionals will be placed on a newly created 40 step salary schedule that ensures a minimum of a 2% salary increase. All salary adjustments will be retroactive to July 1, 2021. A newly created longevity schedule has been created for eligible office specialists and paraprofessionals beginning at 11 years of VCS service. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, office specialists and paraprofessionals who have completed 5 or more years of VCS service will receive a retention bonus equivalent to $50 per year of service.  Those with 20 or more years of service will receive an additional $500. 260 day employees will be able to work during the winter break without forced utilization of annual leave. The work year for paraprofessionals will increase by one day with pay to allow for planning and preparation. VUE Instructional Highlights: A minimum salary of $47,500 will be implemented effective retroactively to July 1, 2021.  Payment dates will be announced upon ratification and board approval. All instructional personnel will receive a total compensation package of no less than $3,000. For fiscal year 2022-2023 supplements will be paid upon completion of the duty. Agreement was reached to write an MOU to address compensation due to increased workload for ESE instructional staff. A joint labor management committee will convene to address workload of ESE instructional personnel.