OESPA Reaches Historic Agreement With Orange County Public Schools

August 7, 2020

Orlando, Fla- OESPA President Ronald Pollard today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) on behalf of the OESPA bargaining team that outlines safety procedures and guarantees for OESPA members. The document enshrines many rights of OESPA members. Further rights are outlined in the OESPA-OCPS contract found here.

While it was our wish that classified employees would be able to remain at home while receiving full pay, the District made it clear from the beginning of negotiations they were not going to pay us if we did not return to work. With that in mind, we shifted our strategy to seeking a safe work environment for those of us who must work even when students are not on site. We will be offering a free training to members next week to explain employee rights as outlined in the MOU. We will also review the COVID-19 Health and Safety Manual, so members are aware of the policies and procedures that should be occurring at your worksite.

It will be EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for members (and even non-members) to police the District on the MOU safety provisions and notify us when a violation occurs (telloespa@gmail.com). We have put the District on notice that we will take all contractual and legal actions should a violation occur.

Thank you all for your patience and for being on the front line, ready to serve despite your fears. In conclusion, we understand this MOU is not a unanimous agreement, and some will have to make a personal choice about returning to work. If you are a member, feel free to give us a call so we can explain all your options before you make a final decision.

Sincerely,

Your OESPA Bargaining Team
Temika Hampton, Esq., Chief Negotiator
Michelle Stile, Esq., Lead Negotiator
Ron Pollard, OESPA President
Clyde Mitchell, OESPA Vice-President
Robin Bolden, OESPA Secretary/Treasurer
Helen Tyree, Vice President of Clerical
Julio Vasquez, Vice President of Custodial
Warren Davis, Vice President of Transportation
Yolanda Anderson, Vice President of Food Service
Sophia Pollard, FEA Governance
Annette Henry, Vice President of Security
Glarsnell Jean-Charles, Vice President of IT
Byron Wilson, Vice President of Maintenance
Christina Pretorius, Vice President of Paraprofessionals
Darlene Alvarez, Clerical Representative
Charlotte Nelson, Clerical Representative