To: Diane Scott, Vice-Chairperson District 1, Santa Rosa School Board, Clifton L. "Buddy" Hinote, District 2, Santa Rosa School Board, Carol Boston, District 3, Santa Rosa School Board, Jennifer Granse, District 4, Santa Rosa School Board, S...

Invest in Santa Rosa County Schools Deadline March 15, 2017

Residents of Santa Rosa County: it is time to make an investment in our schools and stand with teachers of our county. We are asking you to sign this petition in support of a 2.77% teacher’s salary increase for the fiscal year of July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.

Why is this important?

The district teacher’s union states that currently, “at stake is retroactive salary increases for the district’s teachers — at a time when both sides agree there is a significant shortage of teachers and a focus on recruitment and retention.” Over recent months, we have watched teachers struggle for a minimal raise in salaries, despite the fact that this raise still will not be commensurate with the invaluable service they provide to our children and our community. However, the clock is ticking toward a March 15 deadline for “payroll processing.” Santa Rosa County Schools Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick claims that if the current impasse exceeds this deadline, it will prevent the district from making retroactive payments, denying Santa Rosa teachers their rightful opportunity to receive this modest raise for the 2016-2017 school year.

“There is nothing more important to the future success of Santa Rosa County than our children,” said Sarah Coutu, Chair of the Santa Rosa County Democratic Executive Committee. “Santa Rosa County employees, whether they are teachers, deputies, or other county workers, are unfortunately some of the lowest paid county employees in the state. Our neighboring counties to the east and west both pay better wages than we do. This must change!” said Coutu.
According to the district website, the Santa Rosa District Schools consist of a total of 26,144 students; 2,582 employees; and 91 administrators countywide. The school system includes: 17 elementary, 8 middle, and 7 high schools; a pre-kindergarten center; a technical center; an adult school; a community schools program; an adult literacy program; a variety of alternative programs, and 4 administrative/support locations. As one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, we need to recognize that as people move here from all over the country, including many military families, they look first and foremost at our educational system.

Our reputation as a family-centered community depends greatly on retaining qualified and professional teachers. Santa Rosa District Schools have identified on their own webpage that they struggle in maintaining “availability of certified teachers for high need courses.” Teachers in Santa Rosa work tirelessly for our children. It is time we stand in solidarity. Let us show the educators of our county that no teacher stands alone. Let’s invest in our children, invest in our teachers, and invest in a brighter tomorrow.
Residents of Santa Rosa County: it is time to make an investment in our schools and stand with teachers of our county. We are asking you to sign this petition in support of a 2.77% teacher’s salary increase for the fiscal year of July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.