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The Courage to Create Artists Inspiring Artists
Pinellas teachers showcase their art

May 22, 2026 - "The Courage to Create: Artists Inspiring Artists" exhibition celebrates the passion, creativity, and dedication of Pinellas art educators.

Your Benefits and Leave

Annual Enrollment:

All employees have the opportunity to change their benefits during the annual enrollment period. Annual Enrollment occurs each fall for benefits effective January 1st. Employees may add or drop coverage, change plans, and add or drop eligible family members during this period. 

If you have questions, please contact the Benefits Team at 727-588-6197. 

Disability Retirement through the Florida Retirement System:

The Florida Retirement System provides disability coverage in order to provide a source of income for eligible members of the Florida Retirement System Pension Plan who have become totally and permanently disabled and are unable to work. 

To qualify for disability retirement under the FRS, the employee must be totally and permanently disabled from performing any useful and efficient service as an officer or an employee. If medical reports show that the employee is unable to continue in their present occupation but is able to perform another type of gainful employment, they will not be eligible for the disability benefit. 

Contact the Retirement Team to discuss your options at 727-588-6214.

Insurance Premium/Unpaid/Board Contribution:

If the employee is on leave and in an unpaid status, they must be on Family Medical Leave (FMLA) in order to continue to receive the Board Contribution toward their insurance premium. When their Family Medical Leave expires (up to 12 weeks), or if they are on a regular leave of absence, they will be responsible for both the employee and Board Contribution (unless they are on "paid leave"). This also includes if they take a 10-day consecutive leave in one pay period, and they do not receive a paycheck, per #1420 Employee Benefit from the Board Policy. This total premium is considerably higher than the amount of your payroll deductions. Please be sure to review the 2026 LOA Rates. 

Life Insurance Accelerated Benefit Option:

Employees who are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 12 months or less may elect to receive up to 75% of their combined Basic and Optional Term Life while still living, up to a maximum of $500,000. This benefit is only payable once and is payable in a lump sum or 12 monthly installments. 

Contact the Benefits Team at 727-588-6197 for details. 

Paying for Benefits during your Leave of Absence:

Employees on an approved leave of absence may continue their PCS insurance coverage. While on leave and getting paid, deductions will continue to be taken as scheduled. When the employee is out of paid time, Risk Management will bill the employee through monthly billing statements for any missed deductions. The amount of their monthly payment depends on the type of leave they have taken, the plans in which they are enrolled in, and the coverage level (employee-only, employee +1, etc.) they have elected. 

Voluntary Disability Benefits through The Standard Insurance Company:

Employees may have elected the voluntary disability benefits through The Standard. This is an optional benefit plan. 

  • You do not need to use your personal or vacation time before filing a claim for your disability coverage. Disability benefits will be paid in addition to your sick time (monthly benefit may be reduced if Workers' Compensation is received). 
  • You need to miss a certain number of workdays before your disability pay starts. This is called an elimination period. 
  • Pre-existing conditions and limitations may apply. 

Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Benefits through MetLife:

Employees may have elected the voluntary Hospital Indemnity Plan through MetLife. This is an optional benefit plan. 

The MetLife Hospital Indemnity Plan (HIP) coverage can help you be better prepared by providing you with a payment to use as you see fit if you experience a covered event and meet the policy and certificate requirements. Typically, a flat amount is paid for hospital admission, and a per-day amount is paid for each day of a covered hospital stay, from the very first day of your stay. This payment can help you focus more on getting back on track and less on the extra expenses an accident or illness may bring.