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Board ratifies AFSCME contract and invites union to sign
Summary
The Howard County Board of Education voted to ratify a two‑year agreement with AFSCME covering 07/01/2026–06/30/2028; representatives signed the agreement at the meeting and board members praised the work of support staff.
The Howard County Board of Education on June 25 voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement between the district and the AFSCME bargaining unit covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. The motion to ratify was moved and seconded and the board approved the agreement by recorded vote (motion carries).
Superintendent Barnes invited AFSCME vice president Anthony Folmore and other union representatives to come forward for a ceremonial signing. Board members praised the negotiating teams and said the new agreement will help recruit and retain staff, manage overtime costs and support operations that keep schools running.
The board noted the agreement supports efforts to stabilize staffing across custodial, maintenance, transportation and other operations roles; AFSCME’s vice president thanked the board for approving recent rate changes and highlighted the heavy summer workload for those teams preparing buildings for the fall.
The ratification was followed by public recognition and a round of applause. The district’s action included the formal vote to ratify; the signed agreement will be implemented consistent with its effective dates.
