Who can Santa Rosa EA represent and who is covered by the master contract?
As the elected bargaining agent for Educational Support Professionals, Santa Rosa EA is your first stop for representation in employment matters. If you have an issue, contact us at (850) 476-2906.
Per Article 1, Sections A & B of your contract, all educational staff professionals are guaranteed the rights in the Master Contract. Section 447.401, Florida Statures permits a certified bargaining agent to decline representation of an employee who is not a member of that organization in the processing of grievances arising under a collective bargaining agreement. If a certified bargaining agent does so, the employee has the right to representation by anyone he or she chooses, including a representative from Santa Rosa Education Association.
Per Section 120.62(2) of Florida Statutes, “Any person compelled to appear, or who appears voluntarily, before any presiding officer or agency in an investigation or in any agency proceeding has the right, at his or her own expense, to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or by other qualified representative.” Per Section chapter 447.301 (4): “Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent any public employee from presenting, at any time, his or her own grievances, in person or by legal counsel, to his or her public employer and having such grievances adjusted without the intervention of the bargaining agent, if the adjustment is not inconsistent with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement then in effect and if the bargaining agent has been given reasonable opportunity to be present at any meeting called for the resolution of such grievances.”
1. Who is Santa Rosa Education Association (SREA)?
Santa Rosa Education Association is the bargaining agent for Educational Support Professionals in Santa Rosa County. Santa Rosa EA is affiliated with the state and national associations — Florida Education Association (FEA), National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The FEA alone has more than 140,000 members statewide.
2. What are the membership dues for Santa Rosa EA?
- Education Staff Professional: $28.58
Dues are collected either by ACH Draft each month on your scheduled pay day. You may also pay yearly by check or money order.
3. Is the Santa Rosa EA affiliated with Escambia Service Unit (ESU)?
Yes. Santa Rossa EA is part of the Escambia Service Unit.
4. Can Santa Rosa EA represent members locally?
Yes. Santa Rosa EA is fully staffed by the Escambia Service Unit and FEA.
5. Do members of Santa Rosa EA work under a collective bargaining agreement?
Yes. According to Article 1, Section A of the Master Contract with the Santa Rosa County School Board all employees of the bargaining unit are covered by the Master Contract. Per Article 1, Section B.
6. Does a Santa Rosa EA member have Educator Employment Liability coverage and what is it?
With the Santa Rosa EA, members will have full legal liability coverage and an extensive legal services program through FEA and NEA.
7. Do Santa Rosa EA members receive benefits from FEA, NEA and AFT?
Yes. Check out the Member Benefits page!
8. Who are the leaders or officers of Santa Rosa EA?
Leadership is made up of Educational Support Professionals just like you working in Santa Rosa schools!
- Michael O’Connor — President
- Carol Rich — Vice-President
- Dawn Phillips — Secretary
- Haley Warren — Treasurer
- Nicole Sipka — FEA Staff
9. Can Santa Rosa EA be the bargaining agent?
Santa Rosa EA has been the bargaining agent for ESPs since 2017.
10. What information will new members receive after joining?
New members will receive new member packets with all pertinent info (including Educator Employment Liability Policy, comprehensive life insurance, etc.). These packets will be distributed during school visits and/or will be mailed upon joining. New members can also look forward to being contacted by other Santa Rosa EA members and staff to orientate them to our organization.