Although the teachers’ union claims the current proposal still falls short of what was initially agreed upon, a promised wage increase for Baltimore County teachers is getting closer to becoming a reality.
In the beginning, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) had promised teachers a 5% pay increase as part of a three-year package. The offer was lowered to 1.5%, though, after the district’s budget from County Executive Kathy Klausmeier provided less money than asked.
The district came back from discussions with a revised offer of 2.5% after opposition from the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), which included rallies and a move to “work to rule”—a system in which teachers rigorously limit their work to contracted hours.
However, it fell short of what the union had hoped for.
Following more discussions, BCPS declared a deal with four of the five unions that represent district workers. Teachers will still receive the full 5% rise under the current proposal, but it would happen on January 1, 2026, instead of July 1, 2025, as was initially scheduled.
Six months after it was first planned, the entire compensation timeframe has now been moved.
“It’s definitely been a tough budget season, but we have thankfully made some progress,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers stated.
Updated Pay Schedule:
| Year | Original Dates | New Dates |
| Year 2 | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 |
| Year 3 | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027 |
“We are able to provide the full year-two compensation package to all Team BCPS employees,” Dr. Rogers stated. “The only difference is the timing.”
TABCO battles for an initial agreement on a salary increase
TABCO is considering its options and has not agreed to the revised agreement. On whether to declare an impasse, a formal procedure that can result in third-party arbitration to settle the dispute, the union is anticipated to vote.
Sexton will continue to urge the district to adhere to the initial pay schedule by attending and speaking at the next school board meeting on Tuesday, June 10.
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The school district has limited funds
Dr. Rogers acknowledged the district’s financial constraints while expressing sympathy for the teachers’ unhappiness.
In order to reach a final deal before the next school year, educators, administrators, and union leaders are still negotiating.
Potential school closures in Baltimore County
According to Dr. Rogers, the school district’s insufficient resources caused it to experience an unanticipated degree of financial instability.
Rogers sent out an email outlining plans for cost-cutting measures, including reducing division and department budgets, extending a hiring ban for non-school building responsibilities, eliminating some managerial posts in the central office, and slashing $14 million from supplies and materials.
