Officials from the Baltimore County school system are appealing to the county council for an additional $35 million allocation this year to support upcoming salary increases for teachers and staff. This request comes in anticipation of tighter financial conditions expected in the next fiscal year. Last week, the council endorsed County Executive Kathy Klausmeier's budget proposal for 2025-26, which falls short by $38 million in covering the wage commitments outlined in union contracts. Teachers demonstrated across the county on Tuesday, advocating for a projected 5% pay increase, while school financial representatives sought a funding buffer this spring to ensure resources are available by July 1.
The director of the Office of Budget and Reporting, Whit Tantleff, explained that Superintendent Myriam Rogers intends to allocate surplus funds toward staff compensation. Final wage offers are anticipated later this week. However, Cindy Sexton, president of the Teachers' Union, highlighted concerns about how district leaders have redirected $111 million over six years from unused staff compensation budgets to other areas. She noted that much of this unspent money stems from unfilled positions and high turnover rates among educators, emphasizing frustration that allocated salary funds do not reach those handling these vacancies.
Tantleff clarified that extra funds cannot be directly channeled into next year's salaries but must enter the general fund balance instead. Councilman Julian Jones questioned why all leftover balances, estimated at around $60 million if the district secures its requested funds, cannot fully address second-year contract obligations. Doing so would leave the district with no reserves entering the 2026-27 academic year, creating a significant deficit. George Sarris, Chief Financial Officer, warned that addressing such a shortfall might necessitate cutting hundreds more school positions or raising taxes countywide.
Sexton reiterated the importance of fulfilling promised wages amid ongoing national shortages and shifting political climates. She emphasized that over the past six years, $111 million intended for educators has been diverted elsewhere, underscoring the need for accountability in budgeting practices to ensure fair compensation reaches both teachers and students.
In light of these discussions, it is evident that striking a balance between immediate financial needs and long-term stability poses challenges for Baltimore County schools. Ensuring equitable treatment of educators while maintaining fiscal responsibility will require thoughtful consideration and collaboration between school administrators, union representatives, and county officials. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the educational environment moving forward.