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HCPSS and HCEA Reach Tentative Agreement

June 26th, 2015

The Howard County Board of Education and Howard County Education Association (HCEA) announced today that, with the assistance of a mediator, they have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract, covering the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years. HCEA is the organization that represents teachers and other non-supervisory certificated employees.

“The premier reputation enjoyed by Howard County schools is a direct outcome of the hard work, talent, and expertise of our excellent staff,” noted Board of Education Chairman Janet Siddiqui. “We are pleased that this agreement provides for a compensation package that allows us to continue to attract and maintain the very best.”

The tentative agreement, subject to ratification by the association membership and approval by the Board of Education, provides for a one-step increment for eligible employees, effective December 24, 2015. In addition, employees will work three fewer days for the 2015-2016 school year. The agreement is for two years, with a provision that compensation and up to one article identified by each party may be reopened for negotiation for the 2016-2017 school year.

“Our employees are the foundation of this school system,” said Superintendent Renee A. Foose. “I am pleased that we have reached an agreement that recognizes their vital work.”

“Howard County’s students and families are the winners today; their teachers are among the best in the nation,” said Paul Lemle, HCEA president. “This agreement is a commitment to good-faith negotiations in the future and provides a framework for collaboration in evaluations.”

The Board of Education and HCEA plan to formally ratify and sign the agreement during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, September 3, 2015.

The Board of Education and HCEA-ESP, representing non-supervisory support professionals, will continue discussions in early July aimed at reaching agreement for this employee group.

Renee A. Foose, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Paul Lemle, President
Howard County Education Association