Update on TSIA Negotiations
Dear Team,
I want to begin by expressing my continued appreciation for the work you do every day for our students and families. Your dedication and professionalism make Polk County Public Schools a place where children can truly thrive.
As a district, we remain committed to delivering the state-funded Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA) to all eligible staff as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, these dollars are restricted by Florida Statute 1011.62(18) for the sole purpose of increasing minimum base salaries for specific full-time classroom teachers as defined in F.S. 1012.01(2)(a)–(d).
In addition, the state has an established deadline of Oct. 1 for districts to reach an agreement with its collective bargaining unit to specifically disperse the TSIA funds. No such requirement exists for traditional salary and benefits bargaining outside of TSIA.
Some may be frustrated by the amount the state allocates or the statutory restrictions prohibiting its use for all employees. Regardless, our goal has been to release these funds as quickly as possible with the understanding that traditional bargaining would continue on its usual timeline.
Recognizing that the statute limits who is eligible to receive TSIA funds—and in an effort to demonstrate our continued commitment to all staff at a time when additional financial incentives are not an option—the district worked diligently to identify ways to improve employee benefits. Our most recent proposal included the following:
- $662 per eligible teacher ($542 salary / $120 benefits) drawn from the District’s $3.4 million TSIA allocation (after the required charter-school share).
- Up to 15 consecutive paid workdays of parental leave within 30 days of a birth or adoption.
- One additional personal leave day for every employee.
Despite the addition of these benefits, the Polk Education Association (PEA) declined our TSIA proposal. While we are disappointed, we respect the bargaining process and remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
It is important for me to acknowledge that I did place PEA on a deadline. This was done for several reasons. First, I have been requesting that we bargain the TSIA funds since my initial email to PEA leadership on June 17. Despite this request—and numerous subsequent conversations during monthly meetings—PEA was unwilling to bargain TSIA funds.
Second, unlike traditional bargaining, TSIA funds have an Oct. 1 deadline to reach an agreement and submit our results to the state. The legislature made it clear that these funds, while a subject of bargaining, should be disbursed as quickly as possible. Lastly, our proposal was designed to address our mutual concern that the TSIA restrictions left out a number of staff and groups. As a result, we offered increased benefits that would benefit all employees.
Because state law requires distribution of TSIA funds by Oct. 1, the District has formally declared an impasse specific to the TSIA allocation when PEA leadership shared that they would be denying our proposal. While disappointing, it is important to reiterate that this impasse is limited to the TSIA allocation alone and in no way hinders our traditional collective bargaining process.
Our commitment to all employees has not wavered as clearly demonstrated by the District’s recent proposal. We will continue working diligently to find ways to support our team.
Thank you again for your tireless dedication and the positive impact you have on the students and families of Polk County. We deeply value all that you do.
With gratitude,
Frederick R. Heid
Superintendent of Schools
Polk County Public Schools