NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Labor Day comes with a celebration for teachers in Pasco County.


What You Need To Know

  • The raise marks the largest bump for Pasco teachers in several years

  • The negotiated pay raise for teachers last week sets base pay in Pasco Schools for new teachers at $46,465

  • Although Pasco teachers are celebrating the coming pay raise, it may come as bad news for neighboring Hillsborough County

  • More Pasco County headlines

Last Wednesday the United Employees of Pasco, the Pasco County teachers union, came to an agreement with the school board on a 5.4% pay raise effective Sept. 30.

The raise marks the largest bump for Pasco teachers in several years, and it comes just weeks after Pasco County voters also approved a referendum to raise district salaries.

Raises from the referendum haven’t been determined, but will be given on top of the negotiated pay raise with the school board.

“This is something that is, I think, going a long way to helping us in Pasco County,” said Dave Hicks, a chemistry teacher at Land ‘O Lakes High School.  “To feel respected by the school board and by our citizens who have supported us through the pay raises and the referendum."

The negotiated pay raise for teachers last week sets base pay in Pasco Schools for new teachers at $46,465, and also provides a comparable bump for long-time teachers.

"I'm hoping that with this pay increase and with the word getting out that Pasco County is serious about trying to be competitive in their wages, that's just going to, not only like I said attract the young talent, but also give them the feeling that this is a place where I can earn a living,” said Hicks.

Although Pasco teachers are celebrating the coming pay raise, it may come as bad news for neighboring Hillsborough County.  

Hillsborough voters turned down a referendum for its teachers on Aug. 23, which could have some teachers moving districts, or Pasco Schools becoming a first choice for new teachers looking for higher pay.