Bargaining Status: Proposals and Responses
This week, our team, led by Justin Robinson and Jessie Simmons Biscette introduced our proposal on Fair Compensation for Highly Trained Educators, which includes the following proposed COLAs for FY26-FY28:
- 10% in FY26
- 9% in FY27
- 8% in FY28
The school system claims budget constraints will prevent funding our economic proposals. However, the real facts show otherwise:
- Stagnant Per-Student Spending: Inflation-adjusted spending per student has stagnated for over a decade.
- Underspending on Salaries and Special Education: PGCPS has consistently underspent its budget, with significant underspending on teacher salaries and special education.
- Excessive Reserves: The General Fund balance has grown by 84% since 2019, with $71.0 million unassigned and available for any purpose.
- Increased Capital Outlays: Since 2022, PGCPS has increased spending on capital projects from the operating budget.
These facts indicate that PGCPS has the financial capacity to fund our proposed COLAs and invest in our educators.
Join us next Tuesday, April 8th, when we anticipate hearing PGCPS’s response to our Compensation Proposals! Your presence and support are crucial. In the meantime, please help us share this update with fellow PGCEA members using #PGCEAEducatorsUnited. Let’s stand together for fair compensation!
Next Session Details
- April 8 | Follow Up Proposals & Possible PGCPS Responses
- Bargaining Session Link | 5PM – 7PM
- Debrief Session Link | Directly after the bargaining session!
Get Involved!
- Share a picture of your watch party!
- Post a picture of you and your crew wearing red for ed while watching the bargaining session. Tag @pgcea_pr and use these hashtags: #PGCEAEducatorsUnited and #RedforEd
- Not on social media? Share your photos with [email protected]!
Resources
Proposal: Fair Compensation for Highly Trained Educators
Proposed COLAs for FY26-FY28
Fact Sheet: PGCPS Budget
