VUE & VCS Reach 3-Year Contract Agreement

DeLand, FL - After half a year of negotiation and bargaining, the Volusia County School district and the teachers' union finally make a deal. The settlement reached between the VCS negotiation team and the teachers' union is one that Volusia Schools calls "historic." Negotiations came to an end around 7 p.m. last night (October 30th) with a round of applause and handshakes between the union and negotiators This new settlement covers a 3-year deal that provides average raises up to 7.5% for teachers over the entire length of the settlement. The raises are retroactive to July 1st. The new deal also says there will be fewer meetings for teachers so they can spend more time in the classroom, and elementary students and teachers will get more instructional time.

VCS & Teachers Union have a deal! The 3 yr agreement includes average raises up to 7.5% for Volusia teachers. #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/IJJoqzJOqG

— Volusia Schools (@volusiaschools) October 30, 2018

This deal comes over two weeks after VCS and Volusia United Educators were headed to a possible impasse about the contract negotiations. Andrew Spar, former president of the VUE, resigned from the union recently to take the Vice President spot with the Florida Education Association. Elizabeth Albert (right) was made president in Spar's place. "Much deserved raises are coming to our teachers," says VCS Superintendent Tom Russell (left). "I appreciate President Albert and our bargaining teams for getting this deal done." Albert commented, "This settlement will provide an opportunity for our district to focus on what we need to do in order for our students to thrive." The settlement will be presented to the school board and teachers for ratification during a future meeting.