DeLand, FL - It's been a long time coming for the teachers' union of Volusia County as their new contract gets ratified by instructional and support personnel.
Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert announced that after the end of a long and arduous seven-month process, the union has voted to ratify their contracts that will be in effect from 2018 to 2021.
The numbers released by VUE show that 61% (2,835) of their instructional staff and 52% (639) of their support staff voted in relation to the ratification.
Results yielded an overwhelming wave of "yes" from both sides of the union with 82% of the instructional staff who voted and 97% of the support staff who voted to rule in favor of the ratification.
These contracts were originally agreed upon a week ago (October 31st) after Volusia County Schools and the VUE agreed to the terms. These contracts cover an average 7.5% raise over a period of three years and expanded instructional time for elementary schools.
"This contract is not perfect," said President Albert. "However, it puts us on a pathway that will allow us to enjoy the gains we were able to achieve and gives us time to work together to find solutions to the concerns that still exist."
The Volusia County School Board will meet today and vote on ratifying the settlement with VUE.
Their meeting begins at 5:30 in DeLand.
