Baltimore County educators are taking to the streets to voice their discontent over a promised pay raise they say has been broken. According to a report by WBALTV, these rallies are organized by the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), which had negotiated a 5% increase for the second year of their three-year contract. However, they've been met with a reality of a mere 1.5% raise offer, due to what the school district describes as a shortfall in the necessary funding.
The Baltimore County Public Schools had hoped to receive more from the county's budget, yet find themselves scrambling to cover the agreed-upon raises. Teachers intending to protest forcefully, including those slated to rally at locations such as the Carver Center in Towson, aim not only to express frustration but also to underscore the peril of not adequately funding educational frameworks. This plea for full funding is deemed critical by TABCO for the retention and recruitment of teachers, as told to WBALTV.
Meanwhile, just last week, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier released a statement describing the budget as responsible and commonsense, ensuring uninterrupted county services without a tax increase. Still, this budget leaves the public school system millions short. County educators were promised an 11% pay raise over three years. However, the new budget falls significantly short, covering only 3%.
With the budget now finalized, Dr. Myriam Rogers, Baltimore County Public Schools superintendent, confirmed the district is on the hunt to find alternative funding sources — a daunting task they may need to accomplish to reopen negotiations with the union. Rogers revealed a list of potential cost-saving measures to CBS News Baltimore, which includes cuts that could have a profound impact on department budgets and much-needed resources. The county council continues to review the proposed compromises, with a looming decision expected by the end of May.
