By Fallan Patterson
Staff Writer
Union representatives for Osceola County teachers and support staff may solicit new members on school campuses next year after a state commission ruled in their favor July 21.
The Osceola Classroom Teacher Association filed an unfair labor practices lawsuit against the Osceola School District in October for failure to provide on-campus access to teachers and paraprofessionals while allowing commercial solicitation to occur.

Our emphasis will continue to be on enforcing School Board Policy 3.70 which prohibits all forms of canvassing or soliciting of teachers or students on school premises during school hours. Our parents and the community deserve to know that while in school we maintain a strong uninterrupted focus on student learning. Our School Board policy allows school officials to make their campuses available to agents and/or business representatives after school hours, “ Grego said in a prepared statement.
According to state records, school principals barred association representatives from soliciting new members by placing them in areas of the schools where staff did not congregate or did not go during off hours. Additionally, representatives said they were afraid they would be asked to leave the school or that paraprofessionals would get in trouble for speaking with them.
“They made us jump through all kinds of hoops. I’d rather have a congenial relationship; it’s what’s best for the children,” Donato said.
Additionally, although the School District claimed association representatives were disruptive, no evidence was provided as proof, according to the commission.
The ruling backs the association’s efforts to provide assistance and representation to approximately 1,200 support personnel in Osceola County schools. Donato said these professionals are being cut from the budget or given new titles, with the same responsibilities, for less money.
“Our support staff is so important and we’re losing them to the economy,” Donato said. “We just want it to be fair.”
The association currently has 1,150 teachers in its membership and hopes to add support staff professionals, such as teacher’s aides, to its roster while campaigning this school year, Donato said.
On July 13, the commission announced paraprofessionals have the opportunity to join the newly formed Osceola Schools’ Education Staff Professionals.