September 14, 2026: HCTA Bargaining Session

The Hernando Schools held a bargaining session on September 14, 2026, focusing primarily on budget and contract negotiations related to employee compensation and benefits. Key procurement-related discussions included proposals for salary increases totaling approximately $1.26 million to provide $2,000 raises for experienced and returning instructional staff, with detailed comparisons to neighboring counties' salary structures. The meeting also addressed budget allocations for instructional materials and supplies, highlighting discrepancies between budget amendments and actual expenditures, and concerns about transparency in fund allocation. Additionally, the session covered Medicaid billing processes and the challenges in realizing associated funds, as well as contract language regarding protected preschool planning time to reduce teacher workload. No formal votes were taken, but the parties planned to continue negotiations with a follow-up meeting scheduled for September 28, 2026.