LEONARDTOWN, MD—In a significant development for educators in St. Mary’s County, a tentative agreement has been reached that promises substantial improvements for certificated employees and education support staff over the next four years. Announced on February 23, 2024, the deal between the Board of Education and the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) heralds a new era of enhanced educational support and compensation.
At the heart of the agreement is a series of measures designed to uplift the educational framework in compliance with the statutory requirements of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Notably, the deal includes the implementation of a career ladder for certificated staff, ensuring a more structured and rewarding professional journey for educators. A standout feature is establishing a minimum salary of $60,500 for unconditionally certificated teachers, setting a new benchmark for educator compensation in the region.
Beyond salary enhancements, the agreement brings additional benefits to foster professional development and educational excellence. All bargaining unit employees are slated for annual salary improvements and step progression on salary scales for each year of the pact. Salary scales will be adjusted annually, reflecting a commitment to maintaining competitive compensation.
Further enriching the support for educators, the agreement introduces enhancements to course tuition reimbursement, including an incentive for teachers pursuing their master’s degrees. Recognizing the value of advanced certification, the deal also offers compensation incentives for certificated classroom teachers who seek their National Board Certification. Moreover, certificated teachers willing to transfer to Blueprint schools—George Washington Carver Elementary School, Spring Ridge Middle School, and Great Mills High School—will receive additional compensation incentives, emphasizing the focus on elevating educational standards across the county.
Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools, lauded the agreement, emphasizing its role in fulfilling the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future objectives and creating a competitive and equitable pay scale. “The agreement invests in the professional growth of our employees,” Dr. Smith remarked, highlighting the stability and reassurance a four-year agreement offers to the staff dedicated to nurturing the county’s children.
Echoing the sentiment of mutual benefit and collaboration, Ms. Liz Purcell Leskinen, MSEA UniServ Director and EASMC Chief Negotiator, praised the negotiation process. Leskinen pointed out the extensive preparation and commitment from the EASMC’s Negotiations Committee, underscoring the agreement as a product of a “fair and respectful process” that considers the needs of educators against the backdrop of limited resources. She stressed the pact’s role in supporting the local implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, aiming to ensure every student has equal access to high-quality education through the efforts of highly qualified and motivated educators and support professionals.
This landmark agreement marks a leap in St. Mary’s County’s commitment to educational excellence, promising a brighter future for its educators and, by extension, its students.
