Broward County School Board is Presented with Memorandums of Understanding for Distribution of 2018 Referendum Funds for Employees in Various Bargaining Units

WHO:

Broward County School Board Members, Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright, BCPS Employee and Labor Relations; Department,
Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco

WHEN:           

Wednesday, August 17, 2022   
Immediately following Board item discussion at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:       

Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, Pre-function room
600 S.E. Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(Livestream at becon.tv/newsconference)

WHY:            

BCPS Employee and Labor Relations staff is presenting ratified Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for School Board approval regarding the distribution of 2018 referendum funds for the 2022/23 school year. The MOUs include Broward Teachers Union Educational Professionals (representing teachers and instructional staff), Broward Teachers Union Educational Support Professionals (representing classroom, teacher and program assistants), Confidential Office Personnel Association (representing confidential employees) as well as the Federation of Public Employees food service collective bargaining agreement.         

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.” 

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 256,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 91 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

BCPS Welcomes Students Back for the First Day of the 2022/23 School Year 

Today, August 16, 2022, marked the first day of the 2022/23 school year for more than 250,000 Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) students. Smiles, excitement and first day jitters filled hundreds of campuses across the District as students ended summer vacations and returned to classes.  

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright began her day at the North Area Bus Terminal where she greeted school bus drivers prepared to meet more than 56,000 student riders, before boarding a school bus herself to meet students on their way to Coral Glades High School.   

Superintendent Cartwright, joined by School Board members, visited several schools across the District welcoming students, teachers and staff back to school. She also joined students for a lunch break at Tropical Elementary School.   

“The first day of school is always an exciting time for our students and families,” said Superintendent Cartwright. “I am proud of the incredible dedication of our administrators, teachers and staff who have worked hard preparing to welcome our students back to their classrooms. Ensuring safety on our campuses remains our top priority. We want our parents and school communities to know we have safeguards in place to keep our students and staff safe.”  

Thanks to successful ongoing recruitment efforts and sign-on incentives, the District began the day with qualified drivers covering nearly 800 school bus routes. The District’s transportation operation, which includes a fleet of 1,200 school buses, is one of the largest school-district operated fleets in the nation. All buses are equipped with GPS technology to track school bus locations and report emergencies.  

Adding to the excitement of the day, Billy The Marlin, the official mascot of the Miami Marlins, joined teachers and staff at Winston Park Elementary School to welcome students back to school.  

As a reminder, all schools offer free breakfast and free lunch is available for students at 167 schools as part of the Community Eligibility Provision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Students at schools not eligible for schoolwide free lunch may apply to receive free or reduced-priced meals by visiting browardschools.com/food-service. 

To watch the first day of school news conference, visit https://www.eduvision.tv/l?ettLtDO. 

To watch a video wrap-up of first day highlights, visit https://www.eduvision.tv/l?ettLtDy. 

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS  

“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”  

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, serving more than 256,000 students and approximately 110,000 adult learners in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 91 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 170 different countries and speaking 147 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app. 

WHO:               Broward County School Board Members, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent, BCPS Staff and Representatives from the Broward Teachers Union, Broward Principals and Assistants Association, and the Federation of Public Employees 

WHAT:             Learn about the referendum renewal that will appear on the August 23, 2022, primary election ballot. The new Secure the Next Generation referendum would increase voters’ investment in education from a half-mill to one mill to continue securing funds for all public schools – and now includes charter schools as well.

WHEN:             Tuesday, July 26, 2022

                        9:30 a.m.

                           
WHERE:           Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center, Pre-function Room

                        600 S.E. Third Avenue

                        Fort Lauderdale, FL  33301

                   
WHY:               The funds from the half-mill referendum that voters approved in 2018 are set to expire. Those funds support over 500 school safety personnel, 100 mental health professionals, and approximately $82 million in salary supplements for teachers and eligible staff, to compete with neighboring school districts. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the referendum.

BCPS 2022 School Grades Announced

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, the Florida Department of Education released school grades for the 2021/22 school year. The overall results for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) show continued progress on the state’s school grades ratings. BCPS earned a District grade of “B,” narrowly missing an “A” by one percentage point.  

“I am incredibly proud of our students, teachers and school administrators, and thankful for the unwavering support of our School Board. The grades reflect the hard work, dedication and commitment to ensure our students had the learning opportunities needed to overcome the unfinished learning brought upon by the pandemic,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “As we prepare the District for the upcoming school year, we are encouraged and motivated to earn and surpass the one percentage point needed to make Broward County Public Schools an “A” school district and remain steadfast in our commitment to improve student achievement at all schools.” 

When comparing school grades between 2019 and 2022: 

• 45% of BCPS traditional schools remained or improved to an “A”  
• 55% of BCPS traditional schools remained or improved to an “A” or “B”  
• 79% of BCPS traditional schools remained or improved to an “A,” “B” or “C” 
• BCPS has a higher percentage of schools earning a grade of “A” or “B” than the state average 

School grades are based on a variety of factors, including results from the Florida Standards Assessments and End of Course exams, levels of achievement, learning gains, industry certifications earned and graduation rates. 

For more information on 2022 school grades visit, https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.

Watch the news conference regarding the BCPS Grades Announcement.

On Friday, January 21, 2022, the Broward County School Board unanimously approved contract agreements reached with the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) in December, which provide salary increases to the Education Professionals (EP) and Educational Support Professionals (ESP) bargaining units for the 2021/22 school year.

During the negotiations, held on December 16, 2021, the following terms were reached on behalf of BTU Educational Professionals:

• $2,000 one-time stipend for all active EP unit members
• Salary increases of 1.33% for Highly Effective teachers on the Pay for Performance salary schedule, 1.07% salary increase for teachers on the grandfathered salary schedule, and 1% for Effective teachers on the Pay for Performance salary schedule
• $1,000 bonus for instructional personnel who did not qualify for the $1,000 Disaster Relief Bonus provided by the state
• $500 supplement for multilingual itinerant support staff whose workload has substantially increased above their normal caseload due to providing services to students and families who would normally be serviced by a monolingual staff member

On Friday, December 17, 2021, the following terms were reached on behalf of BTU Educational Support Professionals:

• $1,500 one-time stipend for all active ESP members
• Increase of salary schedule for Classroom Assistants, including raising minimum hourly rate from $11.51 to $13
• Increase of salary schedule for Teacher Assistants, including raising minimum hourly rate from $13.27 to $15

With the School Board’s approval, District staff will work to provide the agreed upon salary increases and stipends
as soon as possible.

Watch the news conference regarding the Broward Teachers Union Contract Agreement

Teachers to Receive $2,000 One-Time Stipend and 1% to 1.33% Salary Increase in Tentative Contract Agreement Between BCPS and Broward Teachers Union

*Updated on Friday, December 17* 

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) are pleased to announce a tentative contract agreement for the District’s Education Professionals (EP) and Educational Support Professionals (ESP) bargaining units for the 2021/22 school year. 

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and the Broward Teachers Union (BTU) are pleased to announce a tentative contract agreement for the District’s Education Professionals (EP) and Educational Support Professionals (ESP) bargaining units for the 2021/22 school year. 

During the negotiations held on Thursday, December 16, the following terms were reached on behalf of BTU Educational Professionals: 

• $2,000 one-time stipend for all EP unit members 
• Salary increases of 1.33% for Highly Effective teachers on the Pay for Performance salary schedule, 1.07% salary increase for teachers on the grandfathered salary schedule, and 1% for Effective teachers on the Pay for Performance salary schedule 
• $1,000 bonus for instructional personnel who did not qualify for the $1,000 Disaster Relief Bonus provided by the state 
• $500 supplement for multilingual itinerant support staff whose workload has substantially increased above their normal caseload due to providing services to students and families who would normally be serviced by a monolingual staff member  

On Friday, December 17, the following terms were reached on behalf of BTU Educational Support Professionals: 

• $1,500 one-time stipend for all ESP members 
• Increase of minimum hourly wage for Classroom Assistants from $11.51 to $13  
• Increase of minimum hourly rate for Teacher Assistants from $13.27 to $15  

Upon successful ratifications by the bargaining units and School Board approval, the District will work to provide the agreed upon salary increases and stipends as soon as possible. 

Watch the news conference held on Friday, December 17, announcing the tentative contract agreements. https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eAtyOgL

Broward County School Board Approves Face Coverings as Optional, but Strongly Encouraged for All Grade Levels

The safety of students and staff are the highest priorities of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). District staff remain vigilant in monitoring local COVID-19 data and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and local public health experts to inform the District’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

Based on the continued improvement of local COVID-19 conditions across Broward County, on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, The School Board of Broward County, Florida approved amending its Face Covering Policy to include the use of face coverings as optional, but strongly encouraged for students, staff, visitors and vendors at all schools and District sites effective Saturday, November 20. A formal opt out process will not be utilized.

The District will also follow the Florida Department of Health guidelines for quarantining.

This action follows a previous School Board decision on October 26, 2021, allowing face coverings at high schools and technical colleges to be strongly encouraged.

The approved amendments to the Face Covering Policy will go into effect on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Following the School Board’s decision, School Board Chair Dr. Rosalind Osgood and BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright discussed the changes during a media briefing.

Watch the video of the news briefing through this link https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eAALyeO

The safety of students and staff are the highest priorities of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). The District remains vigilant in monitoring local COVID-19 data and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and local public health experts to inform the District’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

Based on changes in local COVID-19 conditions, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, The School Board of Broward County, Florida revisited its Face Covering Policy and approved the following starting Monday, November 1.

• High schools and technical colleges: The use of face coverings will be strongly encouraged for students, staff, visitors and vendors. A formal opt out process is not required.

• Elementary schools, middle schools, K-6 schools and/or centers, pre-K–8 schools and/or centers, and pre-K–12 schools and/or centers: The current Face Covering Policy requirements mandating masks for students, staff, visitors and vendors remains in effect – unless students have a medical exception per the current Face Covering Policy.
• Pre-K programs located on high school/alternative high school campuses: Facial coverings are required for students and staff participating in the program – unless students have a medical exception based on the current Face Covering Policy.
• District sites (employees who are not school-based): Facial coverings are strongly encouraged. When any District employee visits a school and/or center, the individual must follow the facial covering requirements of that campus.

In addition, the School Board approved maintaining its current COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

News Conference – Tuesday, October 5, at noon

As part of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) commitment to create a safer and more secure learning environment for all students, staff and visitors, the District has launched Alyssa’s Alert - a mobile duress alert app - in partnership with SaferWatch and Motorola.

This new mobile app meets the criteria for compliance with Alyssa’s Law (SB 70), signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2020, which requires every school in Florida to implement a mobile duress alert system connected to a public safety answering point (PSAP) and first responders. The law is named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, one of the 17 victims of the February 14, 2018, tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Alyssa’s Law does not suggest users replace 911 as the main way to report emergencies.  Alyssa’s Alert is an augmented tool for reporting information, allowing District employees to instantly report emergencies to all relevant administrators, security staff and local public safety emergency operation centers. The alerts include detailed information, such as user profile, location coordinates and supporting videos, pictures or audio recordings to provide 911 operators with real-time intelligence for a unified operational view of events to share with first responders en route to a school.

The District will hold a news conference in commemoration of the launch at noon on Tuesday, October 5, at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Building - Board Room, located at 600 S.E. Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The event will also be live streamed at  www.becon.tv/newsconference. Facial coverings are required for all media in attendance.

In the spring of 2021, the Florida Department of Education announced 10 state-approved vendors for Districts to partner with in implementing a mobile duress alert system. The BCPS Division of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness convened a team of internal and external partners, including local law enforcement, the District Security Operations Center, Broward County dispatch centers, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center and Broward County Emergency Management and Communications to evaluate, select, develop and implement the best solution for the District.

Based on feedback from this group, BCPS selected the SaferWatch/Motorola platform and began the development process. The District tested the platform with all three 911 dispatch centers over the summer to ensure full functionality for the start of the school year.

The app is available to all District staff, employees and teachers. Training has been provided for all school-based employees for the 2021/22 school year. Additionally, BCPS has provided training to Broward Sheriff’s Office School Resources Officers, guardians and school security staff on how to implement the application and respond to incidents.

For more information on the BCPS Division of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness, visit browardschools.com/safetyandsecurity.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright News Conference regarding request to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for Federal Stimulus Funding for School Districts.

View the Interim Superintendent News Conference.