The Board of Education approved an agreement for with the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County Wednesday night that provides pay increases, establishes a career ladder and creates a salary scale for middle school athletics coaches.

“While the process took longer than we had hoped, we are glad to now have a ratified contract so that [applicable] employees can begin to receive their negotiated pay increases,” TAAAC President Kristina Korona said in a news release. “We are looking forward to building upon the progress made so that we can continue to make the necessary improvements in salaries and working conditions that are needed to retain educators in this county.”

The agreement includes pay increases for employees including teachers and school counselors, among others. It also changes employee healthcare plans to align with what other bargaining units have.

AACPS will introduce a career ladder July 1, part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the sweeping 2021 legislation meant to improve the state educational system. The career ladder will feature four tiers, with each representing an advancement in professional skills and responsibilities.

“I am so pleased that we have reached this point and are able to provide increases to our amazing teachers and counselors,” Board of Education President Robert Silkworth said in a release. “They are on the front lines of what we do as a school system every day and have an enormous impact on our students. I thank each of them.”

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