Teachers to receive pay increase for the first time in three years
UPPER MARLBORO, MD—The Prince George’s County Board of Education unanimously approved a new three-year contract with the Prince George’s County Educator’s Association (PGCEA) on Tuesday.
County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, Board of Education Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq., Superintendent Crawley and PGCEA leaders praised teachers for their dedication to the school district.
“This contract is an important step towards showing our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of educators across Prince George’s County,” Baker said. “I also want to commend PGCEA and the Board of Education for working together for the success of our students and families.”
"This is a huge victory for our students, teachers and school community and it demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction,” said Jacobs. “Despite having to cope with significant budget cuts, our teachers remained dedicated to our students. They should be rewarded for their unwavering commitment to education."
The teachers’ association and the Board have been involved in negotiations for the last three years. The contract, which takes effect immediately, includes the following highlights:
- Step increase for the 2012-2013 school year;
- 2% one-time payment for those at the top of pay scale;
- Teachers are able to telework on three grading/planning days;
- Health care benefits will remain the same; and
- Establishment of a joint “Turnaround Leadership Council” to address issues related to recruitment, placement and development of staff at these schools.
"We have excellent teachers who have stayed the course despite not receiving a pay increase in three years," said Lewis Robinson, Executive Director, PGCEA. "This contract demonstrates in several ways the Board of Education’s commitment to recognize its work force in spite of the difficult fiscal challenges that we faced in this negotiation."
“This contract keeps us focused on our priority of ensuring highly effective teaching,” said Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “We appreciate the collaboration of our teachers’ union and we look forward to not only continuing to make academic progress but regaining our competitive edge in retention and recruitment of highly effective teachers.”