Brevard Public Schools and IUPAT Reach Tentative Agreements on Leave Policies and Wage Framework

BPS employs over 8,000 staff members

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools (BPS) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) have reached tentative agreements on employee leave policies and a future wage and salary framework that will shape a three-year contract between the parties.

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades is a labor union representing workers in the finishing trades, including painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, floor installers, sign and display makers, and convention/show decorators in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1887, IUPAT offers its members training, benefits, and advocates for workers’ rights and community improvement through political action and collective bargaining.

This tentative agreement marks a significant step toward long-term stability for both employees and the district.

Under the three-year framework, only salary adjustments (based on state funding), health insurance, and up to two mutually agreed-upon articles will be open for negotiation during the next three years.

Key Updates to Leave Policies

■ Sick Leave: Employees will not be charged leave for attending Well-Care Center appointments, up to three hours per year.
Injury in the Line of Duty: Leave extending beyond five days will be considered as time under FMLA guidelines for eligible employees.
■ Parental Leave: Expanded to cover delivery, birth, or adoption, with timelines updated to align with FMLA guidelines.
■ Employment Restriction: Employees may not work for another employer while on approved leave, ensuring consistency with board policy.
■ Maternity, Military, and Extended Illness Leave: Revised to align with federal law; extended illness leave now includes adoption and child-rearing provisions.

“These updates bring our leave policies into alignment with modern standards, supporting our employees and ensuring consistency across the district,” said Ryan Dufrain, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Progress on Salary and Wage Schedules

■ Step Increases: Employees meeting the one year of credible service with BPS each year will advance one step annually through 2027–2028.
■ Longevity Pay: Employees at the top step will receive an annual one-time Florida Retirement System (FRS) eligible longevity payment in lieu of a step increase to be determined based on benefit and non-benefit eligibility.
■ Reopener Clauses: Salary negotiations will reopen if state-funded allocations fall below 1% or exceed 2% per employee in 2026–2027 or 2027–2028.
■ Bus Drivers: Returning to Grade 28 from Grade 50 on the CORE salary schedule with aligned placement.

Brevard Public Schools is the 49th largest district in the U.S. and the 10th largest district in Florida. As the largest employer in Brevard County, BPS employs over 8,000 staff members, serving more than 74,300 students annually.

With 84 schools, 15 special centers, and 12 charter schools, the district educates its students in 17 different municipalities across the Space Coast. Brevard Public Schools’ goal is to serve our community and enhance students’ lives by delivering the highest quality education in a culture of dedication, collaboration, and learning.

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