Volusia Schools, teachers union reach new contract agreement

DELAND, Fla. - Volusia County Schools and the Volusia United Educators Instructional union have reached a tentative agreement on a new teacher contract that includes salary increases, retention incentives, and new paid leave benefits.

Under the agreement, the base teacher salary will rise to $50,000, and instructional staff with at least one year of service will receive a 2% cost-of-living adjustment. The deal also includes a 0.65% pay increase through the state’s Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, reflecting an adjustment in state education funding.

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Teachers will now receive two days of paid bereavement leave and a $2 increase in the retention supplement multiplier for each year of service.

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said the agreement demonstrates the district’s commitment to supporting educators. 

"Our employees — every single one of them — matter to us," she said. "We are proud that this agreement raises starting pay and increases retention incentives for experienced teachers."

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The contract also provides annual retention supplements ranging from $375 to more than $5,000 for teachers with five or more years of experience, and longevity supplements between $100 and $1,500 for those with at least 11 years of service.

The agreement still requires ratification by union members. Details about the voting process and payment schedule will be announced soon.