Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) have tentatively agreed on wage increases over two years.

According to MCPS, if the County Council fully funds the MCPS budget proposal, the following increases would take effect beginning July 1, 2023, for MCEA unit members:

• For the 2023-2024 school year, the salary for teachers would increase by $5,602 for 10-month employees and $6,583 for 12-month employees, with a step increase for those eligible employees. The new wages would range from $59,640 to $124,416 for 10-month employees; and from $70,078 to $146,189 for 12-month positions depending on experience and years of service.

• For the 2024-2025 school year, salaries would increase by $2,918 for 10-month employees and $3,428 for 12-month employees, with a step increase for those eligible employees. The new wages would range from $62,558 to $127,334 for 10-month employees; and from $73,506 for 12-month employees to $149,617 for 12-month employees, depending on experience and years of service.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended budget meets the request of the Board of Education – a record $296 million above the funding provided in fiscal 2023 and $264 million over maintenance of effort. To meet the Board of Education’s request, County Executive Elrich recommends a 10-cent increase in the County’s property tax rate; all the revenue generated will be exclusively directed to MCPS.

Montgomery County currently has the lowest commercial and second lowest residential property taxes in the National Capital Region. Regarding per-pupil spending, Montgomery County is now fifth among the largest school systems in the state. Montgomery County will become the third highest in the state for per-pupil spending if the County Council approves the proposed ten-cent tax increase by a majority vote.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.