Worcester County teachers left disheartened after county officials deny Board of Education’s full funding request
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. — The Worcester County Teachers Association is pushing back after the county’s Board of Education was denied its full funding request.
The teachers were seeking a $60,000 starting salary, which will be required by the state of Maryland beginning in 2027 under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future spending plan.
Beth Shockley-Lynch, who represents the teachers through the association, said the county left teachers disappointed and disheartened.
“None of the four Commissioners that voted against the Board of Education salary package gave a reason why,” she said.
She argued the request was reasonable and would have benefited both the county and the teachers.
“Part of the reason we asked for a $4,000 salary adjustment was to get us halfway to what we need,” she said. “Right now, Worcester County has the lowest starting salary in the state.”
The Board of Education requested $6 million. County Commissioners approved $4.8 million, underfunding the request by $1.2 million.
Worcester County ranks last in starting teacher salaries in Maryland. Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said multiple factors are involved.
“Worcester County gets the least amount of funding per pupil in the state,” he said. “It’s based on this wealth formula, and we’re not the wealthiest county — we’re middle of the pack.”
Shockley-Lynch remains unmoved, claiming the Commissioners who voted against the request do not value education.
A $3,000 salary adjustment was discussed, but never officially approved. Under Maryland law, salary packages must be renegotiated through collective bargaining if funding is insufficient.
“I rejected the deal and explained that I do not have the authority to do that, and I was left with, ‘take it or leave it, this is our offer,’” Shockley-Lynch said.
Young said the approved budget represents a balanced approach.
“The budget that got voted on, I believe, was an attempt to help everybody, including taxpayers and property owners,” he said.
County officials told WMDT that the fiscal year 2026 budget increased by 7%.
