PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

These have been a difficult few weeks for many in our bargaining unit. The district announced the elimination of all SAFE coordinators and others in student services. We invited affected members to meet, including SAFE coordinators, social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, and licensed mental health counselors, to listen and gather questions, as we identify next steps. This district decision is not only devastating for our members, but is deeply concerning for our students, who rely on these critical supports every day. Click HERE for a news story where I shared some of our members' concerns. Several members are planning to attend the School Board meeting tomorrow to share public comment and wearing black to mourn the decision to cut these programs.

On top of this, the district presented a proposal at bargaining that would effectively result in a pay cut at a time when educators are already struggling to keep up financially. I spoke about this at a Town Hall this past week with Unite HERE 362 and Unite HERE 737 and about how the Disney lawsuit is a factor. However, when contacted by a reporter from Orlando Weekly, the district denied referencing the $119 million lawsuit at the bargaining table as being a factor in their less than 1% raise offer and proposed insurance increases. The reporter then reached out to me to verify what was said. I provided the audio, which includes the District’s Chief Negotiator stating, “Unfortunately, Disney won the litigation. That’s a $120 million hit that we’ve had to transfer over and are potentially losing.” It isn't clear to me why the district would deny something readily provable. The district should do better. You can read the Orlando Weekly article HERE.

Some good news! Since March 1, 356 new members have joined CTA! This momentum is bringing us so close to that 60% threshold. We now have 59.1% membership density! Association Reps and members across the district have been leading the charge, connecting with potential members and working to get more of our current members to sign their Membership Authorization Forms.

As you all know, the Legislature passed SB 1296, a law that threatens the very existence of our contract and is now just waiting for the Governor's signature.

URGENT: Membership Authorization Form (MAF)

All members must sign a Membership Authorization Form. Currently 2,500 more current members need to sign this for their membership to be counted. We've sent several emails (from “Orange CCTA” through a platform called Signwell) to your home email address. ARs are working now with a paper copy to get all these forms signed (you only need to sign one, either digital or paper).

URGENT: Membership Growth- YOUR CONTRACT IS AT RISK

Because of SB 1296 our contract is at risk if we don't reach 60%. Ask one colleague today to join us in our collective fight for a better life.

Bargaining

Click HERE to view bargaining updates on our website. We also email all home emails we have on file (members and non members) after bargaining sessions with an update. There is also a detailed update below.

I’m proud to stand with you in this union and in this fight. Please know we are here for you, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.

In Solidarity,

Clinton McCracken

Orange CTA President and 25 year OCPS teacher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinton.mccracken/
Instagram: @clinton_mccracken

“Walk the street with us into history. Get off the sidewalk.”

— Dolores Huerta

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BARGAINING UPDATE

BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027:

3.31 BARGAINING UPDATE

CTA President Clinton McCracken shared an opening statement HERE and below.

As you know, the district proposed a 0.93% raise for Highly Effective and 0.70% for Effective at the March 28 bargaining session. They also presented outrageous changes to insurance that results in a pay cut.
Your CTA bargaining team has worked with multiple local and national experts including assistance from our national affiliate AFT to develop real, data-driven solutions to address the district’s concerns about the insurance trust, a trust that has been underfunded by the district.

What the District presented so far?
• Salary increases of 0.93% (Highly Effective) and 0.70% (Effective)
• No increase for teachers without a 2025–2026 evaluation
• No increase to entry salary, meaning no adjustment to advanced degree or 7th period supplements
• Higher health insurance premiums
• Increased deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs

What does this mean?
The proposed salary increase would be offset, or exceeded, by rising healthcare costs. In practical terms, some educators could see little to no improvement in take-home pay, and in most cases, a net loss.

District Proposal #2 — Article XVII Fringe Benefits

District Proposal #3 — Appendix C Health Insurance Coverage

District Proposal #5 — Article II Negotiations

Solutions Presented by CTA
CTA has brought forward multiple solutions focused on reducing costs without shifting the burden to educators, some of which are:
• Bexa: a screening tool aimed at improving early detection of breast cancer, particularly for individuals who may not otherwise have access to screenings. Early detection leads to better outcomes and reduces long-term treatment costs.
• Quantify Infusions: an option to shift certain infusion treatments to lower-cost, high-quality settings such as in-home or outpatient care. This model is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital-based costs while maintaining or improving care quality.
• Slice Plan: This proposal focuses on reducing costs by addressing the root issue, high hospital and pharmaceutical pricing, rather than shifting costs to employees. By using direct contracts with providers (Orlando Health) and pharmaceutical companies, the plan could lower hospital rates and reduce specialty drug costs.
• Lantern: a coordinated care model that provides 1:1 support, faster access to specialists, and improved outcomes. The expansion of Lantern reduces unnecessary procedures and improves care management, with projected savings of over $5 million annually while also improving patient experience and outcomes.
• Garner: This proposal focuses on lowering healthcare costs by guiding employees to the highest-quality doctors within the existing network, using advanced data and incentives to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary or inefficient care. By rewarding employees for choosing top-performing providers, the model drives better decisions without changing the health plan. Depending on implementation, projected savings for OCPS range from approximately $4.2 million to over $41 million annually, with guaranteed savings and improved care quality.

We believe strongly that:
• No rate increases should be considered until all alternatives are thoroughly evaluated
• The district must conduct full due diligence and ensure transparency
• Educators should not be asked to shoulder the burden of decisions made without complete information

Bottom line: There are two different approaches.
District Approach: Increase what educators pay
CTA Approach: Reduce what healthcare costs

In addition to salary and insurance, CTA continued to bring forward member-driven proposals focused on improving working conditions. These include safety supports such as improved communication tools for self-contained and overcrowded classrooms, reducing unnecessary workload related to duplicate data reporting, walkthroughs, and ensuring teacher voice in discipline decisions.

03.31.2026 – Working Conditions Proposal

DISTRICT CUTS TO SAFE AND OTHER STUDENT SERVICES
The District recently sent a letter outlining the impact of budget reductions for the 2026–2027 school year due to declining enrollment. The letter indicates changes to programs and staffing, including the elimination of SAFE Coordinator positions. It also outlines a restructuring of support services, including reductions of 12 social workers, 15 licensed mental health counselors, and 6 psychologists, along with increased caseloads and reassignment of responsibilities across schools.

CTA is concerned not only about the impact these changes will have on our bargaining unit members, but also on the students they serve, particularly as workloads increase and access to support services may be affected.

As a follow-up to the district’s letter, we are asking SAFE coordinators, school counselors, school psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, and social workers to share their feedback, comments, and suggestions so we can better understand the impact on educators and students and strengthen our response. Please take a few moments to share your perspective on the proposed changes, including reductions to programs, staffing adjustments, and any concerns about how these decisions may affect your work, your students, or your school community.

This moment is a reminder of why union membership matters. Every gain, every protection, and every challenge to proposals like these happens because educators stand together. Without that collective strength, there is no seat at the table. As you review this information, ask yourself, can you afford to lose your union?

Earlier this year, the bargaining suggestion form was open to members districtwide. After reviewing those submissions, the expanded Bargaining Committee met to identify common themes and determine which contract articles to consider opening. The committee will continue meeting after each bargaining session to receive updates and provide feedback to the bargaining team.

If your school is not yet represented on the Bargaining Committee, we encourage you to join us to ensure representation. Click HERE to participate.

Additional updates will be shared as they become available. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we move forward together.

Be Part of the Change. Choose Your Way to Engage.

With the threat of insurance increases, low salary offers, positions being cut, added workload, increased micromanagement, and schools closing, the challenges facing educators are clear. Change will only happen when we step up together and take action. Choose the opportunities below that work best for you and be part of the change we are building.

STUDENT SERVICES

SAFE coordinators, School Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, School Counselors, and Social Workers can share their comments, feedback, and questions HERE. We also encourage them to share the current workload and how it will increase next year with the announced changes.

TELL US YOUR STORY

Your voice matters, and your story helps bring these issues to life. Share your thoughts, comments, and experiences about current bargaining topics HERE. Those topics include salary, insurance, communication, data, AC filters, classroom displacement, AI, walkthroughs, students' distribution, non-reappointment process, transfer, and assignments. Your input helps strengthen our position and ensures that what we bring to the table truly reflects the realities our members are facing.

FIFTH WEDNESDAY - APRIL 29

The contract protects your time! On a fifth Wednesday, after the student contact day ends, teachers are entitled to uninterrupted planning time with no meetings or activities scheduled. If your school schedules anything during this time on April 29, please let us know. Forward any emails or communications sent to staff to orangecta@gmail.com so we can follow up and ensure your contract rights are protected.

EMAIL THE SCHOOL BOARD: STUDENT SERVICES IMPACT

If you are impacted by the proposed changes to student services, we need your voice. Email School Board members and share what your day-to-day work looks like, and how these changes will increase your workload and impact your ability to support students. Your firsthand experience helps decision-makers understand the real consequences of these changes.

EMAIL THE SCHOOL BOARD: BARGAINING

Now is the time to speak up on the issues being discussed in bargaining. Email School Board members and share how insurance increases, low salary offers, and growing workload are affecting you and your school. Personal stories and honest feedback help reinforce the urgency of investing in educators and reaching a fair agreement.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS EMAILS

teresa.jacobs@ocps.net

maria.salamanca@ocps.net

angie.gallo@ocps.net

alicia.farrant@ocps.net

vicki.felder@ocps.net

melissa.byrd@ocps.net

Anne.Douglas@ocps.net

Stephanie.Vanos@ocps.net

CONTRACT REMINDERS

2025 - 2026 CONTRACT: The CTA 2025–2026 Contract is now available HERE. Although the overall agreement runs from 2024–2027, we negotiate wages, insurance, and select articles each year. This contract 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.

FIFTH WEDNESDAY - APRIL 29, 2026: When a fifth Wednesday falls on a duty day, teachers must be provided uninterrupted planning time after the student contact day ends: no meetings, no professional development, no PLC. This is protected time for you to plan, prepare, and catch up. If this is not being honored at your school, please reach out to us at orangecta@gmail.com. "During the contract year, whenever a fifth Wednesday of the month falls on a duty day, teachers will receive an uninterrupted planning period after student contact time. No meetings, workshops or professional development will be scheduled during this time." - Article XIV. Duty Day. V / P. 61

Have a contract concern? Members can contact their CTA Specialist for assistance at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CTA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Join us at one of our upcoming Professional Development opportunities!

You receive a substitute provided by the district and a TDY day (this does NOT count against your personal leave).

UDL: Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines

April 10-11

Click HERE to register!

Finding Strengths : Supporting Students with Disabilities

Participants will use the case-study method to develop appropriate accommodations and modifications to support student access to grade-level academic content.

April 17-18

Click HERE to register!

PUERTO RICAN PARADE: Join us at the 10th anniversary of the Florida Puerto Rican Parade on Saturday, April 25! CTA will be walking in the parade alongside our union brothers and sisters from IUPAT, FFTI, LCLAA, TWU, and CFJWJ. If you'd like to walk with us, please RSVP here. We hope to see you all there!

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOM: We're excited to continue our new monthly Zoom series for our newest members! These sessions cover everything you need to know to get connected and empowered, including how to navigate our website, where to find your contract, who your AR is, ways we can support you, and ways you can help strengthen your union. Orientations will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month. New members can RSVP HERE for our next session on 4/23.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DOLORES HUERTA DAY THIS FRIDAY celebrated annually on April 10 (her birthday), honors the life and legacy of Dolores Huerta, a tireless labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers who dedicated her life to fighting for dignity, fairness, and justice for working people and credited with coining the labor movement phrase, "Sí, se puede." She came up with it in 1972 during a United Farm Workers organizing effort in Arizona. At the time, someone said “No, no se puede” (“No, it can’t be done”), and Huerta responded with “Sí, se puede” as a message of determination and collective power. Her work reminds us that real change comes when we stand together and speak up for what is right. We recognize her courage and the values she represents, including respect, safety, and the belief that no one should be subjected to abuse or mistreatment. Wear Red this Friday in solidarity and send photos to orangecta@gmail.com to be used in future cta graphics and other social media posts.

UNITE HERE 362/UNITE HERE 737/CTA TOWN HALL: 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, with the first taking place this past Thursday.

At that event, 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. You can read about it in the Orlando Weekly HERE.

PHONE BANKING: CTA members have been phone banking potential members during the evenings of the work week and Saturday mornings. Thanks to all members who have come to build the strength of your union! We have had 356 new members in the month of March, some of whom signed up from your phone banking!

NEW MEMBERS/RECRUITERS: We're visiting schools to talk to potential members! Bring someone to chat with us about joining. We give them a $35 gift card on the spot once they join. They can choose among Target, Amazon, Publix, and other cards available. For most people it takes about a minute now to join as the process has become really fast. They'll list you as the recruiter and you'll receive your own $35 card via email within the next couple of weeks.

SPAM: Recently some members have received email from someone pretending to be CTA leadership using an email address unrelated to any that is used by CTA staff or leadership. This is spam. Be careful to only open emails from a recognized email. CTA emails come from <name>@floridaea.org, orangecta@gmail.com, or info@orangecta.com. Anti union activities occur in multiple ways. One is the union busting mailer attempts we've seen the Freedom Foundation which spends millions across the state, another is this recent spam attempt.

GLOBAL LEARNING FELLOWSHIP 2027: The NEA Foundation's Global Learning Fellowship is now accepting applications until Monday, April 6th! This is a unique, year-long professional development opportunity for educators to help students thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The fellowship includes:

Workshops and webinars about global competency and education
Fellows' independent study followed by group reflection and discussion
Group mentoring
A two-day conference in Washington D.C.
Completion of a capstone project incorporating one or more of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals into classroom instruction
A 10-day international field study to examine another country's education system, culture, and historical context

Please see the GLF overview with links for the application & March info sessions here, as well as application instructions here.

GRIEVANCES: We’re actively pursuing multiple contract violations around the district. 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 you believe your contract is being violated, call us right away so we can answer your questions and discuss how to pursue a resolution.

ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: April is Arab American Heritage Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans in the United States. Share My Lesson invites educators, parents, and caregivers to explore a curated collection of free lesson plans, classroom activities, and teaching resources that bring Arab American voices and stories into learning spaces.

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.

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

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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://more.peopleonehealth.com/ocps

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 DRIVE: All members will receive $35 for every new member that signs up and lists you as the recruiter when they join. All new members also receive $35 when they are fully connected for dues payments. Be on the lookout for an email from "Giftronaut" as the e-gift card does expire within 30 days.

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN

YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR UNION!

We can accomplish more together than all alone
Stronger collective bargaining power to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions
Contract support for grievance process to protect your rights
Free Professional Development
Amplify your voice for pro-public education policies
CTA members-only benefits (like our new Dental/Vision plans) and FEA/NEA/AFT benefits
Representation when you need someone in your corner
Assistance with Evaluation system
Support network and community
Being part of the solution for change instead of passively accepting problems

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!

Already a member? Join the MemberAssist referral program. Every time a colleague signs up with your referral link, you score guaranteed rewards, no luck, no drawings, just real perks for spreading the word. Sign up here: https://app.getoveralls.com/dashboard

CTA DENTAL/VISION: NEW Optional CTA Member Benefits Are Here! — available to members at special rates. Visit ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional benefits include:

CTA MEMBERS SAVING THOUSANDS!: 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 ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional 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 through CTA 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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