Collier County teachers continue negotiations as students return to school

Collier County students are preparing to return to school; however, the district is short 79 teachers.

The teacher shortage is partly due to contract negotiations, with many hoping for an agreement that adequately compensates their hard work.

Uncertainty is in the air as teachers worry that negotiations will not be good enough for them to continue their education careers in the near future.

• RELATED: Collier County teachers ask district for higher wages

“I wish they could come to a settlement before the school year begins because that’s obviously a big part,” said Bonita Blackburn, a 5th grad teacher at Seagate Elementary. “I mean, that’s our life, our livelihood, and it depends on our contracts and salaries.”

Regardless of the contract negotiations, the first day of school is upon Collier County as teachers and students return to their routines.