July 15, 2026: HCTA Bargaining Session

The Hernando Schools HCTA bargaining session held on July 15, 2026, focused primarily on budget discussions related to teacher salary increases funded by state grants and district allocations. The meeting addressed the complexities of budgeting for instructional staff salaries, including the impact of compounded funding commitments and the allocation of funds for teachers with 10 or more years of experience. The parties discussed proposals for salary increases, fringe benefits, and performance pay, with attention to how funds from the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA) and millage revenues could be distributed across different employee bands. Additionally, the session covered health insurance considerations, including the potential transition from fully insured to self-insured plans to better manage costs and claims data. The group also reviewed the status of vacant positions and their impact on budget savings. Action items included further analysis of salary band adjustments, clarification of statutory language regarding performance pay, and preparation for upcoming budget deadlines and future meetings.