The "Save Our Teachers Act" aims to significantly enhance the salaries of instructional personnel and school administrators in Florida by amending section 1011.62 of the Florida Statutes. The bill proposes to raise the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers from $47,500 to $65,000 and revises the purpose of salary increases for educators. It establishes new funding requirements and mandates that school districts submit detailed salary distribution plans to the Department of Education. Additionally, the bill addresses salary compression and provides funding for cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay for experienced teachers, ensuring that salary structures are equitable and responsive to the needs of instructional personnel.

Moreover, the bill amends section 1012.22 to require school districts to implement performance salary schedules that include step-based salary increases and compression relief supplements. It introduces salary supplements for various assignments, including those in Title I schools and critical teacher shortage areas, and outlines retention incentives based on years of service. The legislation also mandates annual audits of performance salary schedules to identify and address salary compression issues, ensuring that any budget constraints do not disproportionately affect performance salary schedules. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 335 Filed: 1011.62