OCEA proposals are in green.
SDOC responses are in yellow.
1. Sub Stipend rationale –
We want to keep the learning going for our students. The ESPs fill in whenever and wherever they’re needed. The students generally respond better to a familiar ESP than they do to unfamiliar substitutes they may or may not ever see again it their lives. Lastly, we contend that when ESPs are pulled to substitute their primary duties suffer. No one can be in two places, simultaneously.
2. Vacancies rationale –
We believe Osceola will be better served by growing our own, helping people invested in our community reach their highest potential through advancement in this profession. We contend that if the employee is given feedback, they can work on their perceived weakness to become more effective. The current system is problematic when it comes to providing actionable feedback for growth.
3. Retention Incentive Supplement rationale –
We want to keep good people here. It was reported through our survey that some of our ESPs have worked 10 – 14 years and make less than $13 per hour. Several businesses are offering signing bonuses. McDonalds offers $12/hr starting for staff and $15/hr for management. It also has a college tuition aid program, a high school diploma program, free ESL program, and paid time off. Walmart is offering free college. Chick Fil A has a seemingly happy full staff. Entry-level employees make $11 to $17 per hour, and shift managers make $15 to $20 an hour, based on location. Chipotle Mexican Grill is paying its workers an average of $15 an hour. Starbucks average hourly wage for baristas is $12, average annual salary for managers is $59,000, according to Glassdoor. Parental leave, up to $10,000 reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy or fertility procedures, 100 percent of tuition reimbursement for a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program, 401(k) matching. Nov 9th on the Disney Careers website I saw advertised: Dishwasher/Steward Cast Members receive a starting rate of $15.00/hour and a $1,000 New Hire Bonus Incentive.
4. $1,000 Supplement rationale –
When Governor DeSantis presented Pinellas County disaster relief payments with Federal funds this was stated:
“Considering how challenging the past year was for teachers, we knew it was important to recognize and reward them for their hard work,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Having great teachers makes a difference. Great teachers, great principals and great administrators lead directly to better outcomes for Florida’s students, and I was proud to join some great teachers at Lakewood Elementary today to hand them $1,000 bonuses.”
“Hands down, our students have directly benefitted from the compassion and dedication of our heroic educators throughout the pandemic. Having a world-class teacher who unconditionally loves their students in the front of every classroom is the most effective way to meet the individual needs of students of every background,” said Commissioner Richard Corcoran. “We have to remember that Florida has millions of highly vulnerable students and they have been the students most at risk the entirety of the time. Their success directly rests on the hearts and minds of our amazing teachers and leaders. Those students were, and still are, the ones in greatest need of in-person instruction as we begin the 2021-2022 school year.”
We would add that classroom teachers are not the only teachers in a school. Thankfully, OCEA was able to get SDOC to financially recognize the contribution of non-classroom teachers. Lastly, ESPs also make a lasting impression on our students. Schools do not run without ESPs. It was a little disheartening that they seem to have been forgotten by leadership.
