November 2, 2023 — Collective bargaining representatives from Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) and the Collier County Education Association (CCEA) have reached a tentative agreement relating to compensation for School Year 2023-24. CCEA members are now in the voting process to ratify the agreement. If a majority of members vote in favor, then the agreement would go to the District School Board of Collier County for a final vote on November 14, 2023.
The final offer from CCPS representatives was an increase in salaries totaling 12.5% and a full package increase — including supplements, etc. — of 13.2% at a cost of $26 million. This offer to CCEA comes on the heels of last year’s 9.7% compensation package increase. Salary increases from the previous three years have totaled 23%.
CCPS remains committed to continuing to offer competitive compensation and benefits to our approximately 3,100 instructional staff, without adding an additional burden on local taxpayers. The following shows how CCPS stacks up statewide:
- Pays the 3rd highest average salary for teachers out of the entire state of Florida.
- Of the top three, Monroe (1), Sarasota (2), Collier County is the only county without an additional tax referendum to pay for teacher salaries.
- Collier County has the 4th lowest school tax millage rate of 67 Florida school districts.
The emotionally charged issue of compensation directly impacts the ability of our schools to operate and to be able to retain and recruit high-quality educators. District negotiators will continue to communicate internally and externally with respect and civility, because at the end of the day, CCPS is ONE team.
Bargaining representatives from the District wish to thank everyone involved in this process for their hard work and commitment to student achievement.
