Baltimore School Board Approves Teacher Union Contract
The two-year agreement includes scheduled pay raises and continued health care access for city educators.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Unions
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The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners reached a new two-year contract with the Baltimore Teachers Union. The deal was officially approved during a public meeting held by the board.
Why it matters
This agreement provides long-term financial stability for Baltimore educators while maintaining essential health care benefits. It establishes a clear compensation structure for the district over the next two fiscal years.
The board approved a two-year contract that grants teachers a 2% pay increase for fiscal year 2027 and a 2.3% raise for fiscal year 2028. This action concludes negotiations for the upcoming term.
The players
Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners
This is the official governing body responsible for overseeing the public school system in Baltimore.
Baltimore Teachers Union
This organization represents the interests of educators in the city through collective bargaining and advocacy.
The details
During a public meeting, the school board voted to ratify the agreement, which covers both wages and health care access. The contract serves as the primary governing document for teacher compensation and benefits in the city.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The school board approved the contract.
Fiscal year 2027: A 2% pay increase takes effect.
Fiscal year 2028: A 2.3% pay increase takes effect.
Political Context
The school board finalized this agreement during a public meeting in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. Opposing stakeholders often raise concerns about how such multi-year raises impact the overall long-term solvency of the district budget.
This agreement ensures that city schools retain staff through structured salary adjustments over the next two years. Residents and taxpayers may see these raises reflected in future district budget allocations and school funding plans.
The takeaway
Educators in Baltimore now have a clear path for wage growth and benefit retention for the next two years. The board's vote marks a formal end to the current round of labor negotiations for the district.
Further reading
For more on labor relations, visit the Unions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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