Agreement Reached Between Educators Association, Education Board

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A tentative agreement has been reached between the Howard County Board of Education and Howard County Education Association following five months of negotiations regarding staffing and contracts for the upcoming school year.

“I am very pleased to have come to an agreement that prioritizes the needs of the teachers and support staff who are essential to the successful outcomes of students,” said HCEA President Benjamin Schmitt. “We believe this agreement will provide stability and predictability at a time of growing economic concern and uncertainty. Of course, in negotiations, it isn’t everything we hoped for, but it’s an important step forward—one we believe will help us meet the challenges ahead, while ensuring that Howard County students continue to receive an excellent education.”

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I am grateful for the tireless efforts of HCEA and HCPSS leadership to negotiate on behalf of all of our educators,” added Howard County Board of Education Chair Jolene Mosley. “Throughout our operating budget deliberations, the board continually prioritizes decisions that result in the greatest outcomes for students and staff. The input and guidance of our bargaining units is critical to the decision making of the board."

The next step for HCEA members is to ratify the agreement. Member voting will be open April 9-23.