The Hernando County School District (HCSD) and the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association (HCTA) appear to have reached an agreement on teacher pay for the 2025-2026 academic year after 10 bargaining sessions. The main issue was the size of pay raises, with the district offering a $700 non-recurring bonus and the HCTA seeking a $1250 one-time supplement. The two sides compromised at $1,000 during their recent bargaining session on March 3.
HCTA President Lisa Masserio stated that “union work is never done,” but her team “exhausted all avenues” to reach an acceptable compromise. The agreement must be ratified by HCTA members, expected later this month, and approved by the school board at its April 14 meeting. A previous offer was rejected by 85% of HCTA members. Masserio is confident that her union will approve the new agreement. The district said it was “committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement” and “appreciated the dedication of our teachers and staff.”
The impasse was first declared by the HCTA on February 2 after eight bargaining sessions failed to reach a deal. Teacher salaries are typically finalized in October, but the process was delayed due to the legislature’s failure to pass a budget until June. Masserio said the bargaining unit mandated the union to continue negotiations.
- 10 bargaining sessions were held between HCSD and HCTA.
- The district offered a $700 non-recurring bonus, while HCTA sought a $1250 one-time supplement.
- The compromise of $1,000 was reached during the March 3 bargaining session.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
