After months of negotiations, Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) employees voted to approve a union contract with salary increases, improvements to work conditions, and employee recognition.
BCPSS employees, represented by the City Union of Baltimore, Local 800, an affiliate of AFT Maryland, voted over 95% in favor of ratifying the union contract with the Baltimore City Board of School Commissions. The contract includes better pay, benefits, quality of life, and more.
Employees will see wage increases of up to 3.5% and the preservation of all current health, pension and leave benefits. The contract has no concessions from employees and includes key changes to career pathways and classifications that benefit them.
“Our BCPSS workers show unwavering dedication to the school system on which so many rely, but they can only go so far without being properly supported and empowered by the City Board of School Commissioners,” said Antoinette Ryan-Johnson, president of City Union of Baltimore. “This agreement makes that possible. When we invest in and support the workers who make our Baltimore City School System run, our communities can thrive.”
The contract improves transparency and fairness with clear, evaluation-based paths for professional advancement and new stipend opportunities that recognize BCPSS employees for their dedication and contributions.
“This agreement is a critical step in recognizing the workers who support the Baltimore City School System every day,” said Kenya Campbell, president of AFT Maryland. “Strengthening stability and demonstrating respect for workers through fair compensation builds a stronger school system for our whole community.”
Baltimore City Public Schools have over 76,000 students enrolled during the 2025-26 school year, attending 159 schools and programs throughout the city. The Class of 2024 brought the four-year graduation rate to 71%, the highest it has been since 2019. For the same class, the five-year graduation rate increased to 74%, the highest since 2020.
