Members of the Howard County teachers union along with its support staff unit have ratified a two-year contract that calls for pay raises of 3 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.
More than 90 percent of the Howard County Education Association -- representing 4,100 teachers, guidance counselors and psychologists, and its support personnel unit -- voted in favor of the agreement, which begins July 1, said Joe Staub, president of HCEA.
Teachers and other staff members are also eligible for step increases, raises based on experience.
Besides the pay raises, the contract includes several incentives, including increased stipends for instructional team leaders, coaches and teachers who sponsor school organizations and pay scale credits for second-career educators.
The agreement also extends full medical benefits to school employees in same-sex domestic partnerships.
-- Hanah Cho
