State orders election for district educational support staff unit; union leaders respond

The Florida Public Employee Relations Commission has issued an order directing an election to determine whether the districts Educational Support Professionals (ESP) bargaining unit will be represented, ACEA President Carmen Ward told the board during public remarks on May 5.

Ward said the commission served both the union and the district with the order and that the district must provide a list of eligible bargaining-unit members and contact information so that the election can proceed. The union and district must now decide the mechanics of the vote (in-person or mail), and the commission will supervise the election process.

Ward framed the development as part of an effort to give ESP staff a voice and urged eligible employees to participate. The board took the announcement under advisement; staff and counsel said they would comply with PERC instructions and produce the requested eligibility list within the statutory window.

The item was presented during ACEAs public remarks and no board vote was taken on the subject at the meeting.