Bay Educational Support Personnel Association - BESPA

Bay Educational Support Personnel Association - BESPA BESPA is the bargaining agent for the educational support personnel in Bay County. Bargaining in Bay County is a collaborative process focused on solutions.

We are a membership organization; you must join and pay dues to become a member. BESPA Executive Board
President Carol Croon [email protected]
Vice-President Tameka Butler [email protected]
Secretary Izetta Ruckman [email protected]
Treasurer Jazmyn Davey [email protected]
Director of Directors Shaun Brown [email protected]
Mainten

ance Director Ronnie Cooper [email protected]
Paraprofessional Director Christina Adams-Volpe [email protected]
IT Director Vacant
Custodial Director Vacant
Clerical Director Vacant
Transportation Director Vacant


BESPA Executive Director
Michael Petty [email protected]
850-296-2776


BESPA Office Manager
Lisa Williams [email protected]
850-763-3416

Happy World Autism Day 💙🧩As educators, we have the privilege of seeing the world through many different lenses — and our...
04/02/2026

Happy World Autism Day 💙🧩

As educators, we have the privilege of seeing the world through many different lenses — and our students with autism remind us every day that there is no one “right” way to learn, communicate, or experience the world.

Autistic students bring incredible strengths into our classrooms: honesty, creativity, deep interests, unique problem-solving skills, and perspectives that challenge us to think differently. They also remind us that patience, flexibility, and compassion are some of the most important tools we have as educators.

Autism awareness in schools means more than recognizing a diagnosis. It means creating classrooms where every student feels safe, supported, and valued for exactly who they are.

This month, and every month, let’s continue working toward understanding, acceptance, and inclusion so that every child has the opportunity to succeed and be celebrated.

Different ways of learning. Different ways of communicating. Different ways of shining. đź’™

BESPA is so thankful for our paraprofessionals!!! Thank you for all you do!
04/01/2026

BESPA is so thankful for our paraprofessionals!!! Thank you for all you do!

Happy Happy Birthday, to our fabulous Vice President Tameka Butler! We love you!
03/30/2026

Happy Happy Birthday, to our fabulous Vice President Tameka Butler! We love you!

Help me celebrate OUR UNION PRESIDENT MRS. CAROL CROON birthday 🎂  on today!!!! May your day be filled with lots of ❤️ t...
03/18/2026

Help me celebrate OUR UNION PRESIDENT MRS. CAROL CROON birthday 🎂 on today!!!!

May your day be filled with lots of ❤️ today and forever more.
Be blessed 🙌🏾

03/02/2026
03/01/2026

Thank you Lori!!! đź’• this legislation does NOTHING to help the workers in our public schools survive and pay the bills!!
I’ve called all the senators on the fiscal policy committee to tell them to VOTE NO on SB 1296, have you?

🚨🚨Legislators will consider a bill aimed at taking our contract away Monday. 🚨🚨🚨📢Tell your lawmakers to stand with worke...
03/01/2026

🚨🚨Legislators will consider a bill aimed at taking our contract away Monday. 🚨🚨🚨

📢Tell your lawmakers to stand with workers and vote NO on SB 1296: https://bit.ly/40eOlCd

MUST WATCH: someone who doesn’t live in Florida and who isn’t a public employee in Florida claims he knows YOUR needs at work and in your community better than YOU. SB 1296 is meant to make life harder for Florida’s teachers, staff, professors, nurses, utility workers, sanitation workers and other public employees- plain and simple. Florida’s lawmakers must not turn their backs on the workers who keep our state safe and prosperous!

No matter your background or beliefs, this is worth understanding. Please watch with an open mind and consider what it means for our families and our future.

https://youtu.be/NZGOAyODdHo?si=5_Fo7NqkUfyjbEyY

If you live in Florida, this matters to you. Please take a moment to learn what’s happening and why it’s urgent.

CBS News Miami's Jim Defede investigates Senate Bill 1296, which is making its way through the Florida Legislature. The bill looks to move the goalposts on u...

BESPA President addressing the School Board and Superintendent about delay in paying raises.Congratulations to our door ...
02/13/2026

BESPA President addressing the School Board and Superintendent about delay in paying raises.

Congratulations to our door prize winners at our FRS retirement seminar this week.

Make sure you check your emails for upcoming events...
Remember, this is OUR UNION, and we are all in this together to make your voice count...

02/11/2026

Dear Support Employees,

I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your patience, professionalism, and understanding as we worked to finalize your well-earned raises.

I regret that we were not able to complete this process by the end of January as originally planned. As many of you have heard, we experienced some unexpected logistical challenges along the way within our payroll software. Even so, our Payroll and Human Resources teams worked tirelessly, manually entering raises for every employee, to make sure this was done accurately and fairly. Their dedication and attention to detail truly reflect the heart of our district.

Because of their efforts, I am pleased to share that BESPA support employee raises will be included in your Friday, February 13 paycheck, along with retroactive pay.

If you have questions regarding your years-of-service credit, our Human Resources Department will be sending additional information soon on how you may submit an inquiry.

Thank you again for your patience, your grace, and your continued commitment to our students and to one another. Your hard work makes a difference every day, and I am grateful for all you do to help put the “A” back in Bay.

With sincere appreciation,

--
Mark

Mark McQueen
Superintendent of Schools

Vice-president: I want to thank everyone who came to the meeting this morning held at transportation.
Remember to spread good positive vibes. We are here to fight, but we can't do it alone!!!!

I just wanted to share this great news that is in your email.

01/28/2026

Happy Birthday
Mr. Micheal Petty
Enjoy your special day
🎂

12/19/2025

📢Check email for Bargaining Update.

BESPA Members, sign up!
12/19/2025

BESPA Members, sign up!

🌟ABCE PD in January includes our Canva Workshop Series -- register ASAP so materials can be prepared for you. https://forms.gle/hxFLUUgo1vt3Ag6X8

Address

1610 Beck Avenue
Panama City, FL

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