NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — United School Employees of Pasco said no yesterday to a $15 million raise across the board - it would have amounted to an 8-10 percent raise for teachers over two years.

  • Pasco teacher's union turned down raises
  • Middle and high school teachers would have had to teach extra class
  • District says it would need to cut about 250 positions

But middle and high school teachers would have had to teach an extra class.

And that's the biggest sticking point in negotiations between the union and district.

In order to get teachers a raise - the school district says it would need to cut about 250 positions. And to make up for those positions - teacher work loads would need to be increased during their regular school day.

The union passed on the proposal saying it wants a one year deal to give both sides more time to crunch the numbers.

But according to our partners at the Tampa Bay Times - district negotiator Nora Light told the union

"At the end of the day you are asking for more money,” Light said.  “From where, I'm not sure.”

Both sides will likely head back to the bargaining table at some point before the end of the year.

Although no exact date has been set.