Broward County School Board Votes for Pay Raise for School Employees – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – The Broward County School Board has voted to increase the salaries of several employees in the school system.

On Tuesday, the board agreed to give more money to district employees, including new hires. Canteen workers and bus drivers now receive signing bonuses.

“So on points one, two, three, four, five and six, it’s yes,” Broward County School Board member Lori Alhadeff said.

After a voter referendum in 2022, teacher paychecks to bus drivers will immediately be larger.

“This helps retain our employees and ensure they know we respect them,” Broward County Superintendent Peter Licata said.

The distribution of funds to employees is as follows: bus drivers, office staff, building staff, catering staff and skilled workers receive an additional 5.5%.

Only one school board member, Brenda Fam of District Six, voted to exclude those employees from receiving referendum money.

“These people, as much as they need money, are not entitled to this particular referendum,” Fam said.

But other board members said the money is for everyone in the district.

“We made it very, very clear to the public that they could understand what they voted for,” Nora Rupert said.

District leaders said it takes more than just teachers to run a district of this size.

“Things wouldn’t happen without us, folks,” said Jim Silvernale of the Federation of Public Employees. “That wouldn’t happen. Your child wouldn’t come to school.”

The referendum also includes money for teachers; average $10,600. New teachers will receive $500 and teachers who have been employed for 15 years or longer will receive $12,000.

“This shows that we are ready to put our words into action,” said Licata. “We want the best staff because our children and communities deserve it.

Teachers also receive more money as salary increases are currently being negotiated.

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