The Board of Education of Frederick County (Board) has reached a tentative agreement with all three employee bargaining units: the Frederick County Association of School Support Employees (FASSE), the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), and the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA). This marks the fourth year in a row in which negotiations with all three bargaining units have concluded nearly simultaneously and prior to the start of a new fiscal year.
Each association has obtained ratification by their membership, and the new negotiated agreements were signed at the June 24, 2026, Board meeting. Language for the three tentative agreements becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Across all three associations, all eligible employees will receive a Step Increase.
In reaching these agreements, Board President Dean Rose said: "The Board of Education is pleased to ratify contract agreements with FASSE, FCTA, and FCASA. These agreements reflect our commitment to supporting the dedicated employees who serve our students each day. I appreciate the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated by all parties throughout the bargaining process and look forward to our continued partnership in support of student success."
Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE)
Karren Sowell, FASSE President, said: “Ratification is the power of our membership in action. Every vote reflects our unity, our determination, and our shared commitment to ensuring that every Frederick Association of School Support Employee (FASSE) member is respected, valued, and heard. I am especially proud of the honest dialogue and growing trust between FASSE and FCPS. While there is still work to do to strengthen our partnership, the progress we have made demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the working lives of our support employees and the educational experience of the students we serve. This agreement is more than a contract — it is a reflection of what can be accomplished when we work together with respect, transparency, and a common purpose. Ratification is not simply the final step in the bargaining process; it is a reaffirmation of our collective voice and our belief that, together, we can continue building a stronger future for every FASSE member.”
Highlights of the agreement include:
- A Step for all eligible employees with a $1,200 one-time stipend of employees on Step 21.
- Enhancing the starting hourly rate by reducing the percentage between the first five steps from 3 percent to 2.5 percent.
- Enhancing the longevity pay structure for employees with five or more years of service to include pension eligibility.
This contract will remain in effect until June 30, 2031, with limited yearly reopeners.
Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA)
Frederick County Teachers Association President Justin Heid said: "The fact that this agreement was ratified by only 54 percent of voting members, the narrowest margin in over a decade, sends a clear message: Frederick County educators want to see stronger investments in compensation and long-term commitments to retaining the professionals who make student success possible. While we secured important improvements, including increasing the salary resource pool and reducing the proposed health insurance increase, many educators continue to feel that their dedication and contributions are not being fully recognized. If Frederick County is to remain a destination district, we must build on this progress through sustained investment, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to supporting the educators who make our schools strong."
Highlights of the agreement include:
- A Step for all eligible employees and 1.55% COLA.
- During FY 2028, the Board of Education commits to initiating a discussion with the Frederick County Executive regarding considerations associated with funding and compensation planning for Frederick County Public Schools to include the feasibility of multi-year salary agreement.
This contract would remain in effect until June 30, 2028, with limited yearly reopeners.
Frederick County Administration and Supervisory Association (FCASA)
FCASA President, Danny Rumpf said: “This year’s negotiations reflected a shared commitment to student success. Through respectful collaboration and transparent communication, the Board of Education and FCASA worked together to reach agreements that support our educators, strengthen our schools, and ultimately benefit every FCPS student.”
Highlights of the agreement include:
- A Step for all eligible employees and 0.3% COLA with those at the top of the scale receiving a one-time $2,000 stipend.
- Initial salary placement and working conditions language for FCNCS members transitioning from FASSE into FCASA.
- Some shifting of dates for education credits, returning from leave, etc.
- Some contract language changes regarding performance evaluations, discipline, health, and safety.
This contract will remain in effect until June 30, 2031, with limited yearly openers.