About 125 teachers at two Silver Spring schools that will be offering nearly year-round classes will each receive an additional $2,000 for their work.
Along with pay added to their salaries, teachers at Arcola and Roscoe R. Nix elementary schools will receive the stipend for the additional 30 days work in a pilot program aimed at preventing “summer learning loss” in students at high-poverty schools, according to school board documents.
Montgomery teachers’ pay is determined based on their level of education and experience. The average teacher salary in county schools is about $65,000.
Principals at the two schools will receive a $9,000 stipend and assistant principals will receive $4,000.
The amounts were determined during negotiations between the school system, the teachers union, Montgomery County Education Association and the Service Employees International Union Local 500.
School leaders recently renewed their commitment to the pilot program at the two schools, despite a similar program failing in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. school system said its program showed no progress in negating summer learning loss, increased staff burnout and attendance challenges for families with children in traditional and extended-year schools.
“I know the D.C. schools had problems but we’re trying something different and we need to try,” school board vice president Pat O’Neill said.
While the Montgomery County program looks similar, school officials say they expect more rigorous curriculum and targeted use of extra school days to address the specific needs of students who are more apt to fall behind during school breaks.
Teachers employed at the two schools with “innovative calendars” will receive an additional $750 if at the end of the program’s first year, they commit to staying at the school for an additional academic year.
Teachers also will have the option of “opting out” of employment at the school to be transferred to one without the extended calendar.
Similar terms will apply to support staff, which includes secretaries, building service workers and paraeducators.
Teachers will receive one additional day of paid time off, and administrators will be granted three.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
