PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Embedded Files
Dear Educators,
As we approach the close of another school year, I want to thank you for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism you've continued to show through every challenge this year. Although summer break is near, union leadership and staff will remain hard at work preparing for the year ahead, continuing bargaining efforts, including with organizing opportunities for you to be involved and informed throughout the summer.
A few times a year we send our biweekly newsletter to all OCPS educators, both members and non-members. We hope you find the information below helpful.
Our Contract is at risk
A new state law passed this year makes it very difficult for us to keep our union contract if enough don't join CTA. Many have recently joined because they understand that increased membership is what strengthens our union and our ability to bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. They've also been joining to protect our contract. Contract protections at risk, include:
Daily uninterrupted planning time
Duty-free lunch
No required evening work
CRMs not required
SBUAs not required
Lesson plan templates not required
Common boards not required
Grievance procedures
Bereavement leave
Collective bargaining rights
And so much more...
You can review our contract HERE. Which of these protections are you willing to lose? These rights were not freely given by the district. Educators fought for years to secure them. I invite you to join your union today at joinmyunion.com to both strengthen the union and to protect our contract.
Bargaining
As you know, the district declared impasse before a state budget was given and before the district had even provided the union with payroll information so that we could cost out a salary proposal. After we received that informaiton we met with the district again and proposed a salary increase as well as other contract language that would benefit our educators. See details of proposals below or at orangecta.com. It is more important than ever that members stay informed and engaged throughout the summer regarding the impasse process. Bargaining victories are not created by the team at the table alone. Real progress happens when thousands of educators stand together and take collective action. Over the coming months, we will be asking educators to participate in actions, attend events, engage on social media, communicate with decision-makers, and help us continue fighting for a fair resolution to our negotiations. Your voice and participation matter. If you aren't a member, you can add your email address to our distribution list HERE to ensure you receive updates.
Referendum
Last week, the School Board held a vote on the language for the One Mill referendum renewal ($860 million over the next four years). We've been pushing for the past year for either an increase to the referendum or a change in how the funding is used. Other large Florida districts (Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Broward) and many additional districts designate a percentage of their referendum dollars specifically to increase teacher and support staff pay. Some districts dedicate 70–90% of their referendum funding directly toward increasing pay while still maintaining arts, athletics, and other important student programs. OCPS continues using fear-based messaging suggesting that using some referendum funding for pay increases would require cutting positions and programs. The truth is those other districts have shown both can be done. The district spent time talking about how Miami Dade cut positions during the recession but for some reason didn't talk about Palm Beach or Hillsborough at all.The question the district needs to fully answer is this: Why can other districts build budgets NOW where both strong programs and stronger employee compensation exist, but Orange County says it cannot? A historical account of referenda is interesting but it doesn't explain OCPS institutional stubbornness to help our teachers NOW. You deserve more than “News You Can Use” propaganda. You deserve honest answers and meaningful solutions. And furthermore, yes it may be that some difficult decisions need to be made by the district regarding some cuts but they SHOULD NOT be cuts from positions or programs close to students. Can you think of some other things they should consider cutting? Click the Action Alert #1 above and tell us.
Referendum Language Board Vote
Board member Angie Gallo pushed for adding the word "increase" to the referendum language as did member Stephanie Vanos. Member Douglas asked for it to be "contingent". All three of them voted against the language as it was written but were IN FAVOR of ultimately sending the language as written to be put on the ballot for renewal. They are in favor of renewing the referendum.
Board members Farrant, Jacobs, Byrd, Felder, and Salamanca voted AGAINST updating the language to add the word "increase". Regardless, the original language that was approved still allows the district to dedicate a percentage of the money each year to increasing pay and we believe they should do this.
Board member Byrd referred to the people pushing to update this language as "stupid" and "dumb". Our teachers have been pushing for this. Our union has been pushing for it, and as we've said over and over again, teachers ARE the union. It isn't a separate entity. We are calling for member Byrd to apologize to OCPS teachers for this unnecessary name calling. It isn't "stupid" for citizens of this community to engage in a debate to change how the district treats the referendum money. It is possible to do that and to also still be in favor of the referendum passing. You can watch the full discussion HERE.
Disney Lawsuit
CTA is continuing to educate the community about the impact the Disney lawsuit is having on OCPS through our collaboration with Unite HERE 362 and Unite Here 737. In the past two months over 30,000 doors in Orange County have been knocked in these canvassing efforts. I asked twice at the bargaining table and the district Chief Negotiator twice said that one reason for the district's low salary offer (less than 1%) is because of the loss of $119 million due to the Disney lawsuit. We are encouraging Disney to settle these suits for less so that more of this funding can stay with OCPS and go toward increasing teacher pay.
Engage in Action
With all that is happening, solidarity matters.
Action Alert #1: WASTED money Scavenger Hunt: Complete the Budget Survey. The district says they have no money and don't know where to find more. We believe you likely have ideas on where they could find efficencies and where they are wasting money.
Action Alert #2: Our Contract is at risk. We encourage non-members to join today to strengthen our union and protect our Contract!
Action Alert #3: Non-members can click HERE to join our bargaining informaiton distribution list.
Action Alert #4: Click HERE to email School Board members and demand better. Ask them to dedicate a portion of the referendum toward increasing teacher pay.
Action Alert #5: Click HERE to sign the Disney petition.
I also invite members to come visit our union hall this summer at 1020 Webster Ave, 32804. We are hosting several Open Houses between now and the beginning of the school year. Members are invited to come take a tour, read a book, relax, connect with fellow members, or simply stop by to ask questions about bargaining and union work. Not a member? Feel free to stop by and we can help you get signed up. We want this space to feel like your union home. Dates and details are listed below but you're also welcome to come by any time we're open.
Let’s keep taking action and fighting forward together!
In Solidarity,
Clinton McCracken
Orange CTA President and 25 year OCPS teacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinton.mccracken/
Instagram: @clinton_mccracken
“Power concedes nothing without a demand.”
— Frederick Douglass
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BARGAINING UPDATE
BARGAINING UPDATE
BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027:
The district declared impasse before they had shared data for us to cost out a salary proposal and before the state released a budget.
We met last week again and CTA proposed a wage increase of 2% COLA, 6% for Highly Effective, 4% for Effective. We also proposed to bring back evaluation rights in the contract, language in Duty Day, a Referendum proposal stipulating 33.33% of the One Mill should be used for pay increases, and a Fringe benefits proposal where we are bringing multiple solutions to be implemented before any increases in premiums or deductibles are considered.
With a low salary proposal from the District and a district proposal that includes significant premium increases, it is critical for members to stay informed and engaged in the bargaining process. Your awareness and involvement will play a key role in pushing for a fair outcome.
To see all bargaining updates, click HERE. Additional updates will be shared as they become available. Thank you for your continued engagement as we move forward together.
Click HERE and HERE to read a story from the Orlando Sentinel about impasse. "The district continues to default to the same approach, rejecting options that fall outside what they’re used to, and taking the easier route of passing the cost on to employees instead of doing the work to find better solutions,” McCracken said.
You can also find the recent guest column from McCracken HERE.
CONTRACT REMINDERS
CONTRACT REMINDERS
2025 - 2026 CONTRACT: The CTA 2025–2026 Contract is available HERE. Although the overall agreement runs from 2024–2027, we negotiate wages, insurance, and select articles each year. This contract (or CBA-Collective Bargaining Agreement) is a formal agreement between the district and the union, and every school and administrator is obligated to honor it. When violations happen, CTA is ready to stand with our members and enforce the contract to protect your rights. This isn’t a set of suggestions, it’s a binding, enforceable document that exists because CTA exists and because members fought for these rights over the years in the bargaining process. Solid membership density above 60% protects our contract.
The contract applies for all members of our bargaining unit, but strong membership ensures CTA can continue protecting and enforcing the rights educators fought to secure while providing members with union support, guidance, and advocacy throughout the year as well as legal representation when necessary.
2025 - 2026 ASSIGNMENTS: Teachers should receive their tentative assignments for the 2026 - 2027 school year by May 28. Assignments are tentative and can be changed. “Teachers shall receive notice of their tentative teaching assignments on or before the first day of traditional calendar post-planning. It is expressly understood that such assignments are only tentative and may be changed for reasons relating to changes in school-wide or class enrollment, the addition or reduction of educational services at the school, changes in staffing, or vacancies.” - Article IX. Assignments and Transfers.C
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
CTA OPEN HOUSES We've set aside several times from now and throughout the summer where we are inviting any member to come by and check out your union hall. Whether you have never visited before or haven't stopped by in a while, we would love to welcome you into the space that serves as the home of your union. Bring a book, relax for a while, take a tour of the building, connect with fellow members, or simply stop by to ask questions about bargaining, membership, or the work we are doing together. These open house opportunities are meant to help members feel connected, informed, and part of the growing strength of our union community. We hope you’ll stop by, spend some time with us, and see firsthand the work your union is doing year-round to support educators and public schools.
June 9, June 25, July 9, July 23 9am-4pm.
AR TRAINING JULY 31: The annual Association Representative (AR) Training will be held Friday, July 31 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The training will begin immediately following the first AR Council meeting of the 2026–2027 school year, which will take place from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
This training is designed to prepare ARs for the important leadership role they serve at their worksites. Throughout the day, participants will receive updates on union priorities, learn strategies for effective organizing and communication, review contract and workplace advocacy tools, and strengthen the skills needed to support members throughout the school year. Whether you are a returning AR or serving in the role for the first time, this training will provide valuable information, resources, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow union leaders from across the district. You can also pick up supplies to get you started during preplanning (bulletin board updates and other resources) and we have a special AR gift for each person attending. It is important that each school is represented at this training. Breakfast/Lunch provided. Don’t forget to RSVP! (Virtual is not available for this training)
ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING AUGUST 5: Save the date for our virtual Annual Member Meeting on Wednesday, August 5 at 5:00 PM. During the meeting, we will highlight our recent accomplishments, discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead, and share our goals and priorities for the coming year. This is an important opportunity to stay informed, hear updates directly from union leadership, and learn how we will continue advocating for educators, students, and public schools together. Members will receive a link via email to RSVP at a later time.
1st-3rd YEAR TEACHER FREE MARKET: Each year, we collect gently used items from members at the CTA office to give to members in their first three years of teaching. The Free Market will be open July 20-23 and 27-31 from 9-4:30.
Have items to donate? Feel free to drop off donations at our office anytime this summer Monday-Thursday from 9-4:30!
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION SOCIAL: Happy Retirement to Our 2025–2026 Retirees! We invite all employees retiring during the 2025–2026 school year to join us as we celebrate your years of service at a retirement social on Wednesday, July 1. We’ll share additional details including the location via email in the coming weeks. RSVP HERE.
For more info on joining the CTA Retired Group contact : ctaoesparmember@gmail.com
JUNE 2 TOWN HALL - UNITE HERE 362/UNITE HERE 737 COLLABORATION:
CTA is working in partnership with UNITE HERE to help the community understand the impact of the Disney litigation on our public schools. Town halls are being held in neighborhoods across the county.
At the first two Town Halls, CTA President Clinton McCracken spoke about the district’s recent decisions, including the closure of seven schools, the elimination of SAFE coordinators and other student services changes, and a proposed “raise” paired with significant increases in insurance costs that would ultimately result in a pay cut for educators. The District then denied having mentioned the lawsuit at the bargaining table as a contributing factor to their proposal. President McCracken provided the audio file to the reporter, who verified the district did indeed say this. It is unclear why the District attempted to hide this. You can read about this in the Orlando Weekly HERE.
Join us at the next Town Hall on June 2 at our office located at 1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804.
Take action regarding the numerous things we are talking about in these canvasses and town halls!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AR ELECTION: A secret ballot election was held May 18, 2026 to May 21, 2026 for Association Representative (AR) for a 2-year term for the 2026-2028 school year. Please note that some worksites did not need to hold an election, as some ARs were elected by acclamation. The annual AR training will be held July 31 at the CTA office. Congratulations to all AR's elected!
MATERNITY LEAVE CONTINUES: Last year, CTA successfully advocated for the district to provide three weeks of paid maternity leave. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue this benefit for the 2026–2027 school year. Eligible employees will receive three weeks (15 duty days) of paid maternity leave following the birth of a child. Click HERE to read the MOU.
While this MOU technically expires each year and must be reviewed and renewed annually, the intention is for this benefit to continue each year. The current annual review process allows CTA and the district to evaluate implementation together and determine whether any updates or improvements are needed. The MOU states that the parties will continue discussions regarding future expansion of parental leave benefits.
THE NEA TRAVEL PROGRAM is a free benefit for NEA members. All CTA members are automatically members of the Floridia Education Association (FEA), the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the AFL-CIO. Receive exclusive deals and discounts, saving you up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Plus earn NEA Travel Dollars to use like cash along the way and help you save even more (1 credit = 1 USD). Members new to the program? Once you join CTA you can Enroll for NEA Travel Program free and earn $500 Travel Dollars on NEA! Valid for one year and replenished annually.
CTA SUMMER OFFICE HOURS: The CTA office uses a modified schedule during the same weeks the District offices modify their schedule except CTA staff remain available Monday through Friday. Monday-Thursday the office is open from 8am to 5pm as usual. On Fridays staff works remotely but are available to assist members.
NO DUES OVER THE SUMMER: There are no dues payments over the summer but members still have access to all the benefits of membership including FEA benefits, NEA benefits, and Member Assist. CTA leadership and staff work throughout the summer and are available to assist and answer questions for members.
Fund our Future: Invest in our Students!
Anti public education policies have laid the path for out of state corporations to make millions off our kids by taking money from our public institutions.
In fact, Florida is set to siphon $5 billion each year away from public schools to fund alternative school options.
For the past 25 years, leaders in Florida have created a multi-tiered system of education in the state: one tier for voucher and charter schools which receive public funding, and little to no accountability or oversight, and one tier for traditional public schools, whose funding gets funneled away into a charter and voucher system.
Meanwhile, public school educators are villainized, and parents and students are left wanting and needing more.
No matter the setting a student is educated in, families deserve a uniform set of basic standards, expectations and transparency. Click to sign the pledge today! https://www.fundflpublicschools.org/#pledge
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
THE BUDGET: The 2026-27 budget was finalized last night. Stay tuned in the coming days for more information as we identify the impacts including with teacher pay.
Many of our members have been calling on Tallahassee to prioritize public education in the budget. Click here to learn about FEA’s lawsuit regarding this and the importance of holding the state accountable for meeting their constitutional obligation to ensure every child in the state has access to a “uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high-quality system of free public schools.” The lawsuit is part of a larger movement to get legislators to Fund our Future: Invest in our Students. If you have not done so already, take a moment to sign the Fund our Future pledge.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
ADDITIONAL 12 MONTH PAY OPTION: Based on suggestions from members through the bargaining suggestion form and bargaining priorities survey, CTA negotiated to add this option. See the graphics below from the Payroll Cents Newsletter for instructions on how to setup this deferred option.
The other method of deferred pay remains as an option as well as not deferring pay at all.
PEOPLEONE HEALTH: 💚 Important: If you sign up, don’t forget to schedule your first appointment to establish care. Memberships without a first visit will be canceled.
PeopleOne Health Care gives you unlimited access to:
✔️ Primary care providers
✔️ Health coaches
✔️ Registered dietitians
✔️ Social workers
With a little planning and the right support, you can enjoy the season and feel your best through it all.
Your care team is just a click away. Let them help lighten the load so you can focus on what really matters. https://bit.ly/OCCTA-enroll
Opening June 1
Longwood
515 W. State Road 434
Enroll today: https://bit.ly/OCCTA-enroll
Locations open now
Orlando Downtown South: 207 W. Gore St.
Orlando Dr. Phillips: 7350 Sand Lake Commons Blvd.
Orlando West: 5840 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando Hoffner: 5449 S. Semoran Blvd.
HOW TO SPEAK AT A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: The next School Board meeting is Tuesday, June 16. Public comment is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. You can speak on topics not on the agenda at 4:00 p.m. during public comment, or during the 5:00 p.m. board meeting if you wish to address a specific agenda item.
If you plan to speak, prepare your remarks in advance. Speakers are typically given three minutes, but when there are many speakers, time may be reduced to one minute. It is helpful to have both a full version and a shorter version ready.
Keep your message focused and direct. Personal experiences and perspectives are often the most impactful. While comments directly related to bargaining are not permitted, you can speak to your own experiences, including concerns about affordability and the realities educators are facing.
To speak, you must sign up in advance either at the kiosk in the lobby before the meeting or online HERE. Your voice matters.
GRIEVANCES: This year we pursued multiple contract violations around the district that members brought in order to defend our contract. Over the past 50 years, educators have fought hard to win a contract that protects our rights, and it’s our responsibility to defend it whenever those rights are ignored or violated. Members have stepped up to stand together. If members believe their contract is being violated, call us right away so we can answer your questions and discuss how to pursue a resolution. Remember that grievances aren't filed for people sharing violations on Facebook. Members need to call or email union staff at orangecta@gmail.com.
THANK YOU: Thank you to the following sponsors from throughout the year who have helped to support our educators!
THE STUDENT LOAN HELP GROUP: Student Loan Update for OCPS Educators: Federal changes taking effect July 1, 2026 may limit access to current income-driven repayment plans for borrowers who consolidate after that date. Because consolidations can take up to 90 days to process, members are encouraged to review their loans before March 31, 2026, especially if pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or holding Parent PLUS loans.
OCPS Members can schedule a free, confidential consultation with The Student Loan Help Group to review their options. Members also receive 10% off enrollment if additional support is needed.
👉 Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/thestudentloanhelpgroup/phone-consultation
👉 Learn more: https://linktr.ee/tslhg
STUDENT DEBT AND LOAN FORGIVENESS: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program for people who work full time in the public sector or for certain nonprofit organizations. It can lead to borrowers having their remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments. Almost every AFT member is eligible for this program! Check aft.org/pslf for more information or to register for a free Student Deb Clinic.
STUDENT FEA: Have a student intern? Know a college student? Share about SFEA today! Application Information: Aspiring Educators | Florida Education Association
ANTI UNION EMAIL: You may have received an email recently from a nefarious, billionaire backed group that wants to take away your contract. They are spreading misinformation to try and trick you and our colleagues into abandoning our Constitutional right to come together to advocate for our students and our profession. Don’t trust any group that wants to take away your right to fight for better pay, better health care and the education every student deserves. These are the same people who call a $20 per check increase in pay, “historic”. Don’t give them your information. You never know how they will use, or misuse it. Protect yourself and protect your future.
INFO FOR NEW MEMBERS Did you help someone join CTA this month? Share the information in this graphic with them to ensure they have everything they need. We also email this to them, but we ask you to give them a heads up in case they overlook the email.
CTA MEMBERSHIP GROWTH - STRENGTHENING YOUR UNION
CTA MEMBERSHIP GROWTH - STRENGTHENING YOUR UNION
TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN
YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR UNION! Join today at JoinCTA.com
We protect our contract
We can accomplish more together than all alone
Representation when you need someone in your corner
Stronger collective bargaining power to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions
Contract support for grievance process to protect your rights
Amplify your voice for pro-public education policies
CTA members-only benefits including Member Assist and FEA/NEA/AFT benefits
Assistance and guidance with the Evaluation system
Free Professional Development
Support network and community
CTA BENEFITS
CTA BENEFITS
MEMBER ASSIST: MemberAssist is here to handle life’s everyday headaches so you don’t have to. From the small stuff to the big stuff, we’ve got you covered: Fixing a leaky faucet, planning a vacation, finding a doctor, booking childcare, pet care, senior care, movers, and more! How it works: Submit a request any time; no task is too big or too small. Our expert LifeConcierges handle it for you. Sign up here: memberassist.net Less stress, more life. Start using MemberAssist today!
Sign up here: https://app.getoveralls.com/dashboard
Click here to get started: https://vrlps.co/488kiqc/cp
CTA DENTAL/VISION AND OTHER BENEFITS!: Visit ctabenefits.com to sign up for Humana Dental or VSP Vision Care or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Also don't miss out on your chance to save significantly on your homeowners insurance. We have many members who are saving thousands each year currently. Contact Member Assist for more info or visit ctabenefits.com.
Optional CTA benefits include:
Dental (Humana) & Vision
Aflac (Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, BenExtend)
Disability Insurance
Life and Long-Term Care
Cosmetic/elective coverage (fertility, weight loss, medspa, and more)
Legal Protection & ID Theft
Pet Insurance
Auto & Home Insurance
FEA BENEFITS: You must be an FEA member to be eligible. Access the registration page by logging in to the FEA member side of the website.
Other benefits include:
THE NEA TRAVEL PROGRAM: This is a free benefit for NEA members. Receive exclusive deals and discounts, saving you up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Plus earn NEA Travel Dollars to use like cash along the way and help you save even more (1 credit = 1 USD). New to the program? Enroll for free today and earn $500 Travel Dollars on NEA! Valid for one year and replenished annually.
SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION: Thinking about retirement, but not sure if the Florida Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is the right fit for you? DROP allows employees in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to keep working while continuing to build their retirement benefits. This webinar will cover:
How to determine the income you'll need for retirement
Options for replacing income in retirement
Understanding DROP, how to qualify, and more
To learn more and register, visit invest.suncoast.com/events
CTA SOCIAL MEDIA: Click to join the CTA Members FB group (the only official CTA FB Group). “Like” CTA’s public FB Page HERE to see posts in your feed. Follow Instagram, Threads, Bluesky @orangecta. Remember that our members-only Facebook Group is the ONLY group affiliated with your Union. Be sure you are getting accurate information when asking questions online. We have seen inaccurate information in other places. Also, while anonymous posting is currently an option, remember that CTA staff are unable to fix any concerns when they’re posted in the group. For assistance from staff, you must email or call the office. We often see contract violations in comments but can’t file a grievance to resolve it if you don’t contact us directly. You can also file a class action grievance and remain anonymous, but again, that must be done by contacting the office.
FREE CTA MEMBER T-SHIRT: Members click HERE to order your T-Shirt if you haven’t yet received one.
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