For Immediate Release: May 23, 2019

Contact: Joshua Harris [email protected]

Prince George’s County Educators’ Association and PGCPS Reach Tentative Agreement on Teacher Contracts

After Open Negotiations by PGCEA and its Members, PGCPS System has Tentatively Agreed to Make Substantial Investment In the Classroom

Prince George’s County, MD: Tonight, Prince George’s County Educators’ Association (PGCEA) and its 10,000 members reached a tentative contract agreement with Prince George’s County Public Schools and members will  receive the well-deserved pay increases they were neglected due to the recession which caused missing step increases for nearly sixty percent of PGCPS educators. The Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system has tentatively agreed to provide educators, including those who have been in the School system the longest, restored wages as well as several other presented proposals including movement on smaller class sizes, less testing, and additional time for special education students.

“We are pleased that the institutional neglect of our educators is now changed. Acting CEO Dr. Gholson is demonstrating heroic decision making, to retain and honor our members,” said Theresa Mitchell Dudley, PGCEA President. “After several years of organizing our members stand up for what they deserve, we are proud that our most loyal educators have their value and worth recognized. This agreement is good for students,  educators and families. We are excited to work with PGCPS and ensuring that Prince George’s County community has world-class schools.”

BACKGROUND

From the start of our outreach efforts in December 2017, PGCEA members have galvanized around a Bargaining for Common Good Platform to openly negotiate for the healthy school environments students and educators deserve. PGCEA members have lobbied elected officials, shown up at our Occupy Sasser, marched in the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade, testified in front of the County Council and picketed at schools for our first Teacher UnAppreciation Day. These efforts have made this agreement possible.

The contract agreement will include pay increase as well as:

• Special Educators: More planning time for special educators ensuring they have the support needed for special education students;
• Sensible Workloads: Educators want to spend more time planning their lessons and teaching their students, and less time on burdensome and unnecessary paperwork;
• Smaller Class Sizes: Smaller classes allow teachers more time to teach students so that students can learn more; and
• Healthy Environments: Educators and students deserve all elements of a learning environment that make it healthy, including proper facilities and staffing.

For specific contract details contact Joshua Harris.

If you would like to more information or to request an interview with PGCEA President Theresa Dudley, contact Joshua Harris  [email protected].