Wicomico Board of Education, teachers reach agreement
Wicomico County's Board of Education and Education Association came to an agreement following months of negotiations.
Joan Smith, President of the Education Association, says she wanted more for educators because, as Smith says, contracts should demonstrate respect for academic achievements.
"Of course I wanted more for the educators because the contracts should always demonstrate respect for academic achievements… I would have hoped there was a little more recognition of the years of service that the members have dedicated."
Negotiations did result in a bump on the pay scale and percentage increase depending on years of service.
Now that the teachers and administrators have come to agreements, the attention turns to the county public school's support staff. The support staff is comprised of school nurses, custodians, computer techs, secretaries, among others.
The Board of Education said they could not comment on the state of those negotiations.
"We're still at the negotiating table, and we're looking to get a new negotiated agreement done pretty soon, and we're working with the leadership of the support staff union and we'll hopefully get something done soon," said Paul Butler, Director of Communications and Community Outreach for the WCBOE.
The WCEA has been an ardent supporter of the support staff's union, holding a rally in May, saying they deserved the right to a binding arbitration.
Smith says the negotiations have stalled, so the WCEA office has requested a declaration of impasse from the school labor relations board. She says once the declaration is written the state will send in a mediator to help the sides come to a, "quick resolution and agreement to the terms of the contract."
Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin says the district hopes to finalize an agreement soon, saying, “We are still negotiating, and we will remain at the table to get a new contract, as we truly value all our employees."
WCBOE also recently ratified a new negotiated agreement with Association of Public School Administrators and Supervisors of Wicomico County, the union which represents approximately 105 administrators in the school district, including principals, assistant principals, and supervisors.
