Manatee County Schools
The School District of Manatee County and the Manatee Education Association (MEA), which represents teachers and paraprofessionals, have reached a tentative agreement for the 2025-2026 school year. Next, the agreement will be reviewed by teachers, paraprofessionals, and, once ratified, the School Board.
“I deeply appreciate the dedication and collaboration shown by both the district and MEA bargaining teams,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin. “This tentative agreement reflects our shared commitment to supporting the educators and paraprofessionals who make a difference every day. We are optimistic about the next steps and look forward to presenting this to the School Board for their consideration.”
Highlights of the Teacher Tentative Agreements are as follows:
Highlights of the Paraprofessional Tentative Agreements are as follows:
- One step movement on the salary schedule for eligible paraprofessionals (those who worked 99 days or more last year).
- $0.60 per hour increase applied to each step of the salary schedule for all paraprofessionals.
Teachers and Paraprofessionals
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the referendum supplement (the millage) for the 2025-2026 school year was signed. The referendum supplement for paras will be $3,598, and for teachers the referendum supplement will be $9,537.
- Health insurance premium rate increases at 4% for employees and employers (employees share averages 25%, and the district averages 75% of contributions to health insurance plan) with no plan changes. The premiums will be divided over 22 checks in the calendar year.
- For both contracts, all current contract language, including health insurance plan benefits, continues until 2026-2027 negotiations.
All salary improvements are retroactive to July 1, 2025.
The School District is also looking forward to AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) bargaining negotiations and is optimistic that an agreement with AFSCME can be reached and implemented before winter break.
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