The millage referendum vote is a victory for our students, our employees, and our entire community. On behalf of our union, I want to thank the voters who recognized that strong schools require strong investments. By approving this millage referendum, our community has made a commitment to recruiting and retaining quality employees through improved salaries, maintaining safe learning and working environments, and ensuring that students continue to have access to valuable opportunities in the arts and athletics.
This outcome sends a clear message: our community values public education and the people who make it work every day. From teachers and paraprofessionals to support staff, transportation employees, food service workers, and every employee who contributes to student success, this investment recognizes the essential role they play in our schools.
This victory also highlights the power and importance of union membership. Efforts like this do not happen by accident. They require organized advocacy, relationship-building, community outreach, and thousands of conversations with employees, parents, and voters about what our schools need to succeed. Union members stood together, volunteered their time, shared information, and helped amplify the voices of the employees who serve our students every day. When workers unite around a common purpose, they are able to create positive change not only for themselves, but for the entire community.
We are especially grateful to the employees, parents, community leaders, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to educate voters about what was at stake. Their dedication helped ensure that our schools will have the resources necessary to meet the needs of students both inside and outside the classroom.
While we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that our work continues. The gains made today must be protected tomorrow. That is why a strong, engaged union remains essential. Our ability to advocate for fair compensation, safe workplaces, quality educational programs, and the resources students deserve depends on members standing together and having a collective voice.
Today is a reminder that when a community comes together in support of public education, everyone benefits. It is also a reminder that union membership matters. The strength of our union is found in the commitment of its members, and this successful referendum demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal.
We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to advocate for the employees who serve our students and for the programs that help every child thrive.
In solidarity,
Janet Moody
President, Osceola County Education Association
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