09.22.2026 CTA Bargaining Session 3

The School District of Palm Beach County held a bargaining session on September 22, 2026, focusing primarily on the district's financial status and budget challenges amid declining student enrollment. The district reported a $40 million decrease in fund balance and a projected $15 million shortfall for FY27 due to enrollment declines and revenue reductions. To address budget constraints, the district recommended a district-wide salary freeze for FY27, except for a previously agreed 2.187% raise for teachers with 10 or more years of experience, and implemented a hiring freeze limiting new hires to essential positions only. The union expressed strong opposition to the salary freeze, proposing a 4.5% blended raise to keep pace with the 3.7% inflation rate in Southeast Florida, emphasizing the financial hardships faced by teachers. No new contract language was agreed upon, and further negotiations were planned. The discussion highlighted the district's budget allocation priorities, including significant staffing reductions and the impact of state funding formulas and mandates on financial planning.