The "Save Our Teachers Act" seeks to significantly improve the compensation for 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 requires school districts to implement measures to address salary compression. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay for experienced teachers, along with the development of a salary distribution plan that prioritizes smaller and financially challenged districts. Additionally, the bill introduces step-based salary increases and compression relief supplements to ensure fair and livable wages, while also establishing specific minimum pay increases based on experience levels.

Moreover, the bill outlines new salary structures that include annual salary adjustments based on performance ratings, with effective employees receiving 50% to 75% of the adjustments given to highly effective employees. It introduces salary supplements for assignments in Title I schools, low-performing schools, and critical shortage areas, along with retention incentives for long-serving personnel. The legislation also requires the presence of the collective bargaining unit's president during updates to the state board by district superintendents and mandates annual audits to address salary compression issues. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 335 Filed: 1011.62