August 26, 2026: HUSW Bargaining Session

The Hernando Schools held a bargaining session on August 26, 2026, focusing primarily on labor relations and employee benefits. Key procurement-related discussions included a proposal for an attendance and safety bonus for bus drivers, with a budget allocation of up to $4,000 annually, distributed quarterly. The parties agreed to start the bonus from the first day of school and included safety requirements for eligibility. Additionally, there was discussion about health insurance contributions, highlighting the district's increasing financial support from $275.36 in 2022 to $421 currently, equating to an annual contribution increase from $6,000 to $10,000 per employee. Comparisons with other Florida counties were shared, noting that Hernando Schools remain fully insured rather than self-funded like many others. The meeting also touched on a potential proposal regarding accrued sick leave buyback, which requires further language refinement and research before agreement. No formal votes were recorded, but the parties expressed intent to reconvene for future negotiations.