The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Building up Dade City, block by block

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Larry Guilford uses a block party as one of the ways he pays for his charitable endeavors.

There’s a street party on the second Friday of the month, next to The Block, a venue at 14307 Seventh St., that features a brewery, a restaurant, a CrossFit gym and 5,000 square feet of event space.

The Block takes up a whole city block, right in historic downtown Dade City.

Larry Guilford stands in front of the mural at The Block, the historic building that housed automobile dealerships in the 1920s and has been renovated to create a venue space, a brewhouse, a restaurant, a CrossFit gym and more. (Mike Camunas)

Guilford, a longtime commercial real estate agent in Pasco County, is the founder and owner of The Block, housed in a historic building that was an auto dealership in the 1920s, originally operated by Highlands Motor Company.

Guilford also is founder and president of Make a Difference Inc., his 501c nonprofit organization.

The charitable organization that Guilford founded in 2007 is dedicated to helping Pasco County with social, economic and educational resources to improve the quality of life for individuals in need.

“You see the need, but we don’t judge,” Guilford said. “We want to help as many people as we can, especially in East Pasco. You never know that one day you might be in the line waiting for food.”

Make a Difference provides a Mobile Pantry, distributing food in prepacked boxes or through a farmer’s market-style distribution; Shoes 4 School, which is dedicated to providing new shoes to children in the Pasco County school system; and Pasco Difference Makers, which moderates monthly networking meetings to assist local charities in East Pasco.

“What I wanted to do was come back (to Pasco County), to get back into real estate, so I came to Dade City,” Guilford said. “I wanted to do that and make some money to put back into charity work down the road.

“But I always liked this brick building. I always joke with people that its Armature Works, without the $20 million.”

Indeed, Guilford buying and renovating the old building into The Block has essentially revitalized the “North Side” of Dade City just above Meridian Avenue. It has inspired more businesses to consider downtown Dade City and brought a monthly “block party” held every second Friday. Crowds have been out in droves to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment and music.

The Venue at The Block has capacity of 150 to 200 and has been fully renovated. (Courtesy of The Block)

After the third block party on April 8, Guilford said: “They’re getting bigger and better each month! That was part of my vision: to be able to walk Dade City.”

Before, when people reached the corner of Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, “there was nothing to see,” he said.

Guilford’s impact on the county dates back decades, especially since he helped develop some of the original and early businesses back before Wesley Chapel’s burgeoning growth.

When he arrived, from Michigan, during the late 1970s, he saw the growth that could happen in Wesley Chapel and helped set up the commercial side of State Road 54, including the Comfort Inn and McDonald’s, which still stand today.

“There really wasn’t much out there in Wesley Chapel,” Guilford recalls. “But back then, I was known as the Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel.”

After developing that fledgling town in the early 2000s, Guilford decided to focus solely on charitable work and opted to help less-fortunate countries. The work took him back and forth overseas to the Philippines, Columbia and Ukraine, to name a few. Guilford has been doing work tirelessly in the Ukraine since 2003. He helped rebuild orphanages, including restoring buildings and putting in 1,500 beds.

“It’s really tough to see what’s going on there now,” he said.

Eventually, it was time to come back to the states on a more permanent basis, as he did when he decided to take a look at Dade City — a historic town that was begging for revitalization.

“He truly has been a blessing for Dade City,” said Camille Hernandez, the city’s longtime mayor before she stepped away from political life on April 26.

“He always has his thinking cap on — how can I help Dade City? And he hasn’t stopped. He’s that trailblazer, that spark, that leap of faith that’s given confidence to others to invest in this community, too.”

The Block, at 14307 Seventh St., has thrived despite some COVID-related delays. It is bringing new life to an area in historic downtown Dade City.

Guilford isn’t stopping.

Soon, just across the street from The Block, will be ZoneWorx Coworking Space, which will allow businesses to rent office space and amenities. It is, of course, also in a historic building that used to be a car dealership.

“He’s just such a visionary,” said James Shive, who recently became Dade City’s mayor. “To be able to envision (The Block) and be that successful with it and his whole career — it’s just made a huge difference in the downtown north corridor. People are now discovering Dade City, and its bringing in a more youthful group and more young families are coming and moving out here.

“He’s such an amazing person and has given so much to be thankful for. I honestly can’t say enough about him, and what he’s done and going to do for our community.”

Without a doubt, downtown Dade City has seen a boom in businesses from Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread, Dade City BBQ and Ice Cream Company, Uptown Creamery, Prelude Academy of the Arts, the Brew House, and even more to come.

“There has been an influx of about 30 businesses,” Shive said. “I’ve lived here my whole life, I’ve raised a family here, and I think back to all the eclectic shops that used to be in Dade City and you’re seeing that come back.”

Shive noted that the city’s redevelopment agency has plugged more than $4 million into improvements of downtown buildings, while there are 19 more projects on the books. Shive expects that in five to 10 years, Dade City’s population will triple.

“We’re going to develop the city, but go about it the way to preserve the integrity of the small town and its history,” Shive said. “The way (Larry’s) done it.”

Guilford said he visualized downtown Dade City’s possibilities years ago.

“What we had going for us was the historic aspect of downtown,” he said. “Plus the growth corridor (that is Wesley Chapel). It’s coming and maybe even already here, and it’s spreading into Dade City. We’re going to benefit from Wesley Chapel.”

Guilford can already picture his next project, and others are eagerly waiting to find out what it will be.

“He’s just been truly an asset and a blessing to Dade City and to me!” Hernandez said. “He’s so solution-oriented on how we can get it done and make it happen.

“I just can’t wait for his next project — and it’s a secret!”

For more information on Dade City, log onto DiscoverDadeCity.com.

The Block
Where: 14313 Seventh St., in Dade City
Details: Dade City Brew House, KÄN SEPT, CrossFit HCP, Venue at the Block.
Info: Call 352-437-3059, or visit TheBlockDadeCity.com.

UPCOMING
The Venue at The Block is holding a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on June 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will cater food and cake tasting, a cocktail bar, wedding vendor booths, music and more. It is free and open to the public.

Published May 18, 2022

Go Pasco seeks to allow riders to track buses, in real time

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Go Pasco — Pasco County’s public bus service — is planning to use technology to enable riders to get up-to-date information to track buses in real time.

The department is going through the purchasing process and will be bringing the proposed contract back for approval, James Flaherty, interim public transportation director with Go Pasco, told members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) at its May 12 meeting.

Flaherty also gave the board an update on current ridership numbers.

Go Pasco is seeking to acquire technology that will allow bus riders to track buses on their routes, in real time. (File)

“Currently, our fixed route is down about 3% from last year. Currently, we’re projecting about 500,000 trips this year. Our paratransit is up about 5%. We’re projecting between 40,000 and 42,000 trips this year.”

Go Pasco plans to install three billboards across the county in an effort to increase ridership, Flaherty said.

The MPO board is made up of elected leaders across the county, including the Pasco County Commission and the cities of Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

New Port Richey City Councilman Matt Murphy asked Flaherty for an update on the status of a proposed study to determine where it would make sense to create micro-transit routes.

Flaherty responded: “Currently, we don’t have any studies that are being conducted. There was a potential route expansion and contraction study, within that, the micro-transit study would have been conducted.”

That study had been discussed at a previous MPO board meeting, when Kurt Scheible, was public transportation director.

Flaherty told the MPO board: “That (study) has been tabled for about two years, until an actual director is identified and we can move forward.”

But both Murphy and Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey wanted more information about the micro-transit study that had been previously discussed.

Flaherty told the board: “I’d have to look into that. I was not aware of a specific study, outside what was within the route expansion and contraction study.”

Starkey said there was discussion of looking at micro-transit in the Holiday area, and then it was transitioned over to Dade City.

Murphy added: “My understanding was that they were doing a feasibility study, to figure out where the best place would be. There’s a lot of money in that. I forget how many millions of dollars were in that, given to the state.”

Flaherty responded: “I will have to look into that.”

Pasco Commissioner Jack Mariano said if funding is available, the entire area should be studied and then, “we’d put a plan together and make decisions on what we think is most appropriate.”

Flaherty then told the board there had been issues with the procurement process, which led to delaying the study.

Starkey asked: “So, we didn’t put it back out there for bid?”

Flaherty responded that in the “2019-2020 time frame, Go Pasco attempted to do a comprehensive, operational analysis, using the MPO’s planning contract. It went to the board. It was pulled.

“A year later, a scope was provided. It went through the procurement process. There were issues with the procurement process. It’s been delayed for two years, until a new director is identified.”

Starkey: “When you say it’s delayed for two years, who decided we’re going to wait two years before we do it, we try it again?

Flaherty responded: “The county administrator.”

Starkey replied: “Well, is it his decision to that, or is it our decision?”

Carl Mikyska, executive director of the MPO, said that’s probably a discussion that should be had by Pasco County Commission or individually with County Administrator Dan Biles.

Starkey added: “Why would we wait? I don’t know why we would delay it for two years.”

Before the MPO meeting ended, Flaherty updated the board.

“That study has been pushed back six to nine months, not two years,” Flaherty said.

In other action, Mikyska told the board that there will be a presentation on the U.S. 41 and State Road 54 intersection at the board’s June meeting. He said the update was requested by the board’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

The board also appointed Geoff Lanier, of Land O’ Lakes, to serve on the MPO’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Lanier is the owner of Suncoast Trailside Bicycles, according to his application, contained in the board’s agenda packet.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking photos of your favorite grad

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It doesn’t matter if your favorite graduate is finishing prekindergarten, wrapping up fifth grade, moving up from middle school, or collecting a high school diploma or bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree — we want to help you celebrate, by sharing your favorite grad’s photo.

All we need is a photo of a happy, touching or funny moment from the big day, or party.

Posed photos or spontaneous photos are fine. If you send a group shot, please ID the people in the photo from left to right; also, please send us an individual shot of the graduate, too, to give us a better chance of being able to include the graduate on our photo page, or pages.

Be sure to include the graduate’s first and last name, and the name of the student’s school.

Feel free to include a sentence or two, about your favorite grad.

And include your contact information, so we can reach back, if we have questions.

Every photo submitted will be considered for publication.

Please send your submissions by June 1 to ">.

We plan to publish our graduation photo package on June 8.

Published May 18, 2022

Some pointers for planning graduation parties

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Graduations are extra special this year because finally — after a lengthy pandemic pause — people are gathering again with family and friends to celebrate their favorite graduate’s achievement.

So, are you honoring someone in the Class of 2022 this year?

If so, this column may come in handy.

Here are a few ideas, to help you get your party planning started.

Fruits and vegetables
A selection of fruits and vegetables is a great way to start.

You can arrange them on a tray, or build them into a three-tiered arrangement.

It’s hard to go wrong with fruits, veggies and dips or spreads.

Here’s a thought: Choose colors of your graduate’s school to get in the spirit of things.

(Shout out to my fellow University of Central Florida alumni: Enjoy some pineapple and blackberries.)

How about some candy?
You can make a candy station in jars:

  • Smarties for your smarty pants graduate
  • Ring pops for class rings
  • Sour gummy worms for book worms
  • 100 Grand bars, for those who have big student loans; or, optimistically, for a graduate’s future salary

And, of course, Nerds are another option.

Here’s a smart idea: Create your own edible diplomas
Make edible diplomas by simply tying a school-color ribbon around diploma-shaped food:  cheese sticks, spring rolls, Little Debbie Swiss rolls, sandwich wraps, and so on.

Food stations
A taco bar, a hot dog bar, an ice cream sundae bar, a salad bar, a coffee bar or other various types of food bars or stations go great at a graduation party.

How about a charcuterie board?
These have become increasingly popular charcuterie boards, with their visual appeal and assortment of different textures and colors of various foods.

The University of Arkansas Extension offers these pointers:

Start with four different cheeses: Hard, semi-hard, semi-soft and soft.

Choose three cold cured meats.

Select three types of crackers: Plain, multigrain or whole grain and flavored.

Use fruits to add color to your board. You can do two or three fresh fruits and one dried fruit.

Fill extra spaces on the board with nuts.

For extra saltiness, add in something briny like pickles or olives.

Choose some spreads. It’s good to have a variety, such as jam or honey for a sweet spread and hummus or mustard for a salty spread.

You can focus on a graduation theme

  • For graduates from medical programs: A clear jar full of marshmallows (cotton balls); a glove filled with popcorn (sterile glove); jellybeans or mixed nuts (kidney stones); a piece of cheese on a rectangular cracker (a Band-Aid); Jello shot syringes or plastic needleless syringes (shots).
  • For graduates from law school: Gavel pops (the top half of a marshmallow dipped in chocolate, inserted with a thick pretzel stick.)

Now, without further ado, congratulations to all of you who are hosting graduation parties this year, and good wishes for all of the graduates in the Class of 2022.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

These no-bake graduation cap cookies are likely to be a big hit for graduates of all ages, and the friends and family who have joined them to celebrate their achievements. (premeditatedleftovers.com )

RECIPE
Here’s a recipe from premidiatedleftover.com for a treat that will work for graduates, at any level.

No-bake graduation cap cookies

Ingredients:

  • 12 Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares
  • 1 box Fudge Covered Oreo Cookies
  • Decorating icing (school colors or grad’s favorite color)
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate morsels

Directions:

  • Melt chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave on high, stirring every 15 to 20 seconds until melted.
  • Warning: Do not overheat as the chocolate will seize.
  • If the chocolate becomes tough, you can add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Do not add water.
  • Dip one side of the Fudge Covered Oreo in the melted chocolate. Immediately press against the branded side of the Ghirardelli Chocolate square
  • For the tassel, pipe a curved line from the middle of each chocolate square to the corner. Add a small dot of icing in the middle, at the beginning of the line.
  • Allow chocolate and icing to set completely, prior to packing or serving.

Published May 18, 2022

City manager shares Zephyrhills’ plans to address growth

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The history of Zephyrhills stretches back more than a century, but it wasn’t until recent times that the city was declared the largest municipality in Pasco County.

The city’s burgeoning growth is prompting it to make a number of improvements and to take on new projects, which City Manager Billy Poe talked about at a breakfast meeting on May 10, with members of the East Pasco Networking Group.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe briefed members of the East Pasco Networking Group about projects and improvements planned in Zephyrhills. He made his remarks during a breakfast meeting with the group on May 10. (Mike Camunas)

One of the latest developments in the city, which now boasts more than 18,000 residents, is the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, at 6585 Simons Road.

That’s where the breakfast meeting took place and is a facility that Poe described as a “jewel” of the city.

The tennis complex is a project that was built through a public-private partnership. It features outdoor tennis courts, outdoor pickleball courts, outdoor padel courts, an outdoor multipurpose turf field, and a clubhouse featuring a full-service restaurant/cafe, fitness center, salt room, yoga room, cryotherapy chamber and pro shop.

Now, plans call for expanding the facility with the aim of including more outdoor tennis courts and a 27,000-square-foot multipurpose indoor facility. Cost of this expansion is approximately $4.66 million, of state-appropriated funds.

Poe, who has been city manager since 2019, highlighted some other projects that are underway, or coming soon:

  • Roadway improvements: The installation of a traffic signal at the Eiland Boulevard/Simons Road intersection; connecting Simons Road to Fort King Road (about 800 feet of pavement at a cost of $2.2 million); the extension of Dairy Road north to Kossick Road; and, linking Kossick Road to Wire Road, to establish an east-west connector
  • Extending the runway at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport runway (That project, expected to be completed in June, will allow the airport to accommodate larger planes and up to 22-seat-passenger corporate jets.)
  • Helping to lay the groundwork for a $25-million Armory Complex, which is expected to be completed by 2026
  • Seeking contractors for the renovation and redesign of Hercules Park, at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard (Improvements are expected to include new trails, nature play, disc golf, splash pad and more.)
  • Upgrading the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant’s filter system that treats 1.7 million gallons of waste per day (One upgrades involves an Adenosine Triphosphate Process (ATP) that removes more nitrogen from the water, for a cost of $7.5 million.)
  • Adjusting the city’s water-use permit, which may call for converting agricultural wells into private-use wells
  • Processing additional requests for new subdivisions and apartment developments

Zephyrhills also continues to expand its city limits, through annexations.

Published May 18, 2022

Pasco Sheriff’s Office issues safe boating reminders

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As boaters head out to enjoy summer vacation, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued some reminders intended to help them to enjoy the water, safely.

So, before heading out, be sure to file a float plan. That’s critical in the event of an emergency and will give search and rescue crews a huge advantage, in knowing where to begin, the sheriff’s office post says.

Also, before hitting the water, be sure you have these items on your boat:

  • Life jackets
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Visual distress signals
  • Sound-producing devices
  • Locator device
  • Water
  • Navigation lights
  • Permits/decals

Published May 18, 2022

Volunteer openings available on economics committee

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Pasco County’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC) is seeking volunteers to oversee the use of the JEOC Trust Fund portion of the Penny for Pasco surtax proceeds, according to a county news release.

Members of the volunteer board are responsible for ensuring that Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth.

The committee is made up of nine members, representing expertise from each of the following areas: finance/banking, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing and other private industries.

The committee meets at least quarterly and presents an annual update to the Pasco County Commission.

Terms are one year or two years, depending upon the industry.

Pasco County voters first passed the Penny for Pasco local government infrastructure surtax in 2004 to pay for county, city and school district improvements. The JEOCTF portion, adopted in 2015, is estimated to generate over $60 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy.

Applications for the JEOC openings are being accepted online through June 9 at bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.

Published May 18, 2022

St. Leo chooses new mayor

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The Town of St. Leo chose Vincent “Mike” D’Ambrosio as its new mayor during its annual May reorganization meeting, on May 9.

D’Ambrosio is director of safety and emergency management at Saint Leo University. He also is the assistant pastor at The Rock Church in Brooksville.

(Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

A native of Citrus County, he has been employed at the university since 2008, and has lived in the Town of St. Leo for three years. He was appointed to the Town Commission in June of 2020.

He and his wife, Heidi, have three children: son Vincent “Dakota,” daughter Ryleigh Buchanan, and son Luke.

In other action, commissioners chose to retain James Hallett, O.S.B., as Mayor Pro Tem. Brother James became a Town Commissioner in April 2000. He is originally from Newton Falls, Ohio, where he lived with his family before joining the U.S. Army.

Hallett served three years in the military, including one year in Korea.

After leaving the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Kent State University, followed by a Master of Arts in accounting from Youngstown State University.

Hallett moved to Saint Leo Abbey in 1988. He is active in monastery life and is the manager of the Saint Leo Abbey gift shop.

The meeting also marked the return of William Hamilton, who was elected to fill Commission Seat Five in April.

Hamilton previously served on the Town Commission for eight years, including three as mayor.

Commissioner Hamilton is from St. Leo and is continuing a family history of service. His father served as a commissioner and as mayor, during the 1980s.

Hamilton and  his wife, Barbara, have four children.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking applicants for Florida’s Supreme Court

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The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) is seeking applicants for the Florida Supreme Court, according to a news release.

The nominating commission is looking for qualified applicants to create the vacancy being created by the retirement of Justice Alan Lawson, which is effective Aug. 31.

The judicial application may be obtained from the Governor’s Judicial Nominations online at tinyurl.com/2p88v7b3.

Applicants must submit: (1) an original electronic copy of the application (including all attachments) in pdf format; and (2) a redacted electronic copy of the application (including all attachments), which excludes all material that is exempt or confidential under applicable public records laws, also in pdf format. Both the original and redacted electronic applications must be submitted electronically to all Commission members at their email addresses below before 5 p.m., on May 27.

The JNC strongly prefers the submission of applications in a searchable (i.e., non-scanned) pdf format.

The JNC will determine which applicants to interview. Those selected will be contacted to confirm the time, date and location of the interview.

The anticipated interview date is June 11, and if needed, June 12. The interviews are expected to take place in Tampa.

The members currently serving on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission include:

Chair Fred Karlinsky, Weston, 

Vice Chair Jesse M. Panuccio, Palm Beach Gardens, 

Cynthia G. Angelos, Port St. Lucie, 

Daniel Nordby, Tallahassee, 

Hala A. Sandridge, Tampa, 

Heather Stearns, Tallahassee, 

Jeanne T. Tate, Tampa, 

Harout Samra, Coral Gables, 

Tim Cerio, Tallahassee, 

Published May 18, 2022

School pay raise vote to go on August ballot

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The Pasco County School Board has voted to ask the Pasco County Commission to place a referendum for school district employee pay raises on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

Initially, the school board had voted to seek to have the question placed on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. But during its May 3 meeting, the board voted to amend its original request.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd suggested the switch, in background materials contained in the board’s agenda packet.

He explained the rationale for the change this way: “I am making this recommendation for two reasons: This will eliminate any confusion between the salary referendum and the local infrastructure surtax (Penny for Pasco) that will be on the general election ballot.

“Additionally, nonpartisan school board races are being held during the August primary and the salary referendum fits well with the school board races.”

There was pushback on the request during the public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

Some parents were skeptical about the shift from the general election to the primary.

One said fewer voters participate in primary elections and thus, the vote will not be truly representative of the community, as a whole.

Another said that rather than raising taxes, there needs to be greater scrutiny in how the district spends its money.

Speakers said they support better pay for district personnel, but not through the referendum.

A representative for a group called Lift Up Pasco said the group is made up of volunteers who support the referendum and will be working to support its passage. They said the additional source of funding will improve education, and thus, will enhance the community, as a whole.

The referendum question asks voters to approve up to a maximum of 1 mil in funding to be designated for improving pay for teachers, bus drivers and other district personnel, except for administrators.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil,  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

There also is a requirement for “annual reporting to Pasco County taxpayers for transparency of the use of these funds.”

The board’s vote to pursue up to a full mil, followed persistent requests by Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), urging the board to seek the ballot initiative. The union has pledged to give its full support to efforts to secure passage of the referendum.

Board members have said the request is necessary in order for Pasco to recruit, retain and reward district personnel.

They also noted the district is losing personnel to nearby districts that offer better pay. It also is losing staff to burnout, resulting from a combination of additional stress from fatigue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of district workers.

The shortage of bus drivers prompted the district to change its school ending and starting times for the second semester this year. And, the shortage also was cited by the district as one of the reasons it has decided to end courtesy bus rides, beginning next school year, for sixth- through 12th-graders living within 2 miles of school.

Board members said action is needed because the district is losing too many employees to other districts, or to industry jobs.

In a video released after the board’s action, Superintendent Kurt Browning said the additional source of money is needed.

“For too long, we have struggled to remain competitive with other school districts in the area,” Browning said, in the video.

In other pay-related news
The union and district instructional bargaining teams have reached a tentative agreement for the 2021-2022.

Under that agreement, teachers will receive a one-time lump sum supplement equal to 4% of their salary, and the base teacher salary will be raised to $45,200 in accordance with state statute, according to information posted on the union’s website.

The union and district also have agreed to return to the bargaining table immediately after the ratification of the 2021-2022 contract to begin negotiating additional salary improvements for 2022-2023.

The union and district also have reached a tentative agreement for school-related personnel for the 2021-2022 school year.

The union and district agreed to the 4% supplement for school-related personnel and also agreed to a guaranteed minimum for all school-related personnel.

Also, the parties will immediately open the 2022-2023 contract year to begin to bargain additional recurring raises to deal with compression as the district moves toward the minimum $15 per hour minimum requirement, beginning in October 2022, according to the union’s website.

Published May 11, 2022