Baltimore County Board Of Ed Approves FY 2024 Budget, Including Raises For Teachers

BALTIMORE COUNTY - The Baltimore County Board of Education approved a $2.595 billion operating budget recommendation for fiscal year 2024.

According to the board, the new budget “continues BCPS’ focus on raising the bar, closing achievement, and opportunity gaps, and preparing all students for the future. The budget reflects key amendments based on Board and community feedback and prioritizes people, progress, and salary increases to support recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff.”

These items were included within the specified funding amount:

• Increase compensation for all members of Team BCPS
• Provide all eligible employees with a step salary increase and cost of living adjustment or equivalent
• Implement a minimum of $15 per hour for employees represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• Increase the annual starting salary for teachers to $59,000
• Implement the initial phase of modified, enhanced and compressed scales for employees represented by the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) and Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County (ESPBC)

The budget would also cut 162 vacant teacher positions, saving the school system $24.8 million.

The approved budget will now be passed on to the Baltimore County Executive and County Council. The County Executive is expected to release his FY 2024 Operating Budget recommendation by April 13.