CCEA - Collier County Education Association

Just two hours before the scheduled Legislative Hearing, the Board chose to postpone it—reportedly due to the illness of one Board member. With four members present, the Board still had a quorum and the ability to conduct business. This decision raises serious questions about priorities and respect for educators’ time.

Teachers made time to attend, and last-minute cancellations undermine trust and transparency. Respect for educators’ time should matter. Also, It’s almost May. Teachers need to be paid before the year ends.

📢 Collier Educators Deserve the Truth — Not Politics.
Yesterday, the Commissioner of Education sent out a mass email, forwarded by our Superintendent, attacking “the union” and spreading misinformation. Let’s set the record straight:

👉 CCEA did NOT file any lawsuit.
The Commissioner’s message is false, misleading, and a misuse of taxpayer-funded communication channels. Instead of supporting educators, this rhetoric distracts from the real work happening in our classrooms every day.

Here’s what actually happened:
✔ A separate higher‑education union filed a legal challenge
✔ The case was later withdrawn—not lost
✔ Legal action is sometimes necessary to defend educators’ rights

Meanwhile, Collier educators continue to show up for students—teaching, caring, and creating safe learning environments despite nonstop political noise.

💪 CCEA will always stand up for you.
We’re fighting for:
• Fair, competitive pay
• Safe, supportive schools
• Professional autonomy & respect
• Protection from political interference in public education

✊ This is why being united matters.
If you're not a member yet, now is the time to add your voice:
🔗 Join CCEA: https://www.ccea-ocap.com/cceamembership
📫 Want your School Board to hear from you directly?
Here are their emails:
• District 1 – Jerry Rutherford: [email protected]
• District 2 – Stephanie Lucarelli: [email protected]
• District 3 – Kelley Mason: [email protected]
• District 4 – Erick Carter (Vice Chair): [email protected]
• District 5 – Tim Moshier: [email protected]

Your voice matters.
Your work matters.
And your union will keep fighting for you—every single day. 💙🍎