Orlando teachers rally against proposed contract

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Nearly 100 teachers rallied in Orlando on Friday to voice concerns over a proposed teacher contract. 

On Monday, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association is set to count votes on the contract. 

Many are hoping the proposal is voted down. 

David Grimm, who has taught in Orange County for 22 years, says proposed raises are small when compared to increased costs for family health insurance. 

"I think the most drastic part that got everyone's attention was that difference between insurance rates and the salary increase. Part of the increase was a bonus, not an actual increase to our salary," he said.

This means some teachers could take home less pay than last year. 

The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association helped negotiate the contract. 

President Wendy Doromal said the state does not have enough money in their budget for the raises they wanted. 

"We're upset, too, that there's not enough money for teachers, but we're fighting for them," she said. "It's not the increase we want, but it is an increase for the state of Florida at this time."

Grimm hopes lawmakers can help solve this problem in the future. 

"They need to come out with some kind of legislation saying we are increasing funds, and it must go directly to teacher salaries," he said.

There has never been a "no" vote for ratification of a teacher contract in Orange County.