The "Save Our Teachers Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at significantly increasing the salaries of instructional personnel and school administrators in Florida. It amends section 1011.62 of the Florida Statutes to raise the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers from $47,500 to $65,000. The bill introduces new funding requirements to support school districts and charter schools in implementing this salary increase, addressing salary compression, and providing annual cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay for experienced teachers. Additionally, it mandates that school districts develop and submit salary distribution plans to the Department of Education, which will oversee a phased implementation starting in 2024.

The bill also amends section 1012.22 to create performance salary schedules that include step-based salary increases and compression relief supplements, ensuring fairness and livable wages while considering local economic factors. It establishes retention incentives for instructional personnel based on years of service, with awards of $5,000 for those with 10 to 20 years and $10,000 for those with 20 or more years. Furthermore, it allows district school boards to identify additional areas of critical shortage and introduces new responsibilities for instructional personnel. The Department of Education will provide guidelines for equitable implementation of salary supplements, and school districts must conduct annual audits to address salary compression issues. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 670 Filed: 1011.62