Salary Increases Set For Howard County Teachers This Fall: Official

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Leaders have agreed to a salary increase of 4.7% for teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Howard County Education Association and the Board of Education ratified the master agreement at its June 20 meeting.

"I am very pleased that we were able to come to agreement with each of our labor partners on behalf of the important teachers and staff who do the important work for our students," said William J. Barnes, superintendent of the Howard County Public School System. "I look forward to working with the leaders in each bargaining unit in the coming year to ensure long-term security and recognition for all those who power the wonderful education system we have in Howard County."

The salary increase comes through cost-of-living increase per a salary scale. Based on current salary scales, the salary increase for some teachers will be as high as 5.9% while those already at the top of the scale will receive the cost-of-living increase of 2.25%, Howard County Public School System leaders said.

"Our teachers and staff are the most important resources we have in our system and I am so pleased that we were able to collectively demonstrate the high priority we place on their financial security and wellbeing," added Jennifer Swickard Mallo, Howard County Board of Education Chair. "I appreciate the leaders in each of our bargaining units for their advocacy of staff and collaboration with system leadership throughout this process."

Additional Master Agreement Highlights
HCEA & HCEA-ESP:

• Three-year agreement on language.
• Codifies the transfer process for certificated teachers. (HCEA)
• Codifies placement on salary scale procedures. (HCEA-ESP)
• Outlines memorandum of understanding regarding providing technology to paraprofessionals. (HCEA-ESP)
• Provides requested training to teachers in student physical behavior intervention (e.g. de-escalation training, restraint training).
• Allows for an ES/MS Theatre Director Stipend.

AFSCME:

• Two-year agreement on language.
• Increases premium pay for reporting for inclement weather, other emergencies, holidays and weekends.
• Increases annual leave from 12 to 15 days for AFSCME employees with one year of service and adds other types of leave such as extended illness and sick family member leave.
• Adds reimbursement for work-related certifications and professional development.
• Allows employees to use annual, personal, and sick leave beginning with .5-hour increments.

HCASA & HCASA-NCS:

• Revamps annual leave payout and increase of cashout to a 403b (HCASA).
• Allows employees to use annual, personal, and sick leave beginning with .5-hour increments.