HCPSS and HCEA Reach Tentative Agreement

The Howard County Board of Education announced on August 1 that, with the assistance of a mediator, it has reached a tentative agreement with the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) bargaining unit, which represents teachers and other non-supervisory certificated employees.

"Howard County schools have long been synonymous with excellence; maintaining that stellar reputation depends upon attracting and retaining the very best staff," noted Board of Education Chairman Ellen Flynn Giles. "We are pleased that we were able to collaboratively reach an agreement that offers a compensation package among the best in the state."

The tentative agreement, subject to ratification by the association membership and approval by the Board of Education, provides for an across-the-board salary increase of three percent for teachers and support staff, retroactive to July 1, 2014, a half-step increment retroactive to July 1, 2014, and a stipend equal to a half-step increase payable on July 1, 2015.

"Our employees are the backbone of this school system, and our ranking among the finest in the nation reflects their vital work," said Superintendent Renee A. Foose. "I am committed to compensating all employees for their top-level skills and commitment to our students. I could not be more pleased that we have reached an agreement that recognizes our outstanding staff."

The Board of Education will formally ratify and sign the agreements for both the HCEA and the Howard County Education Association-Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on September 11, 2014.

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