At a recent school board meeting and amid a protracted closed-door contract negotiation with school leadership, educator Kara Robinson expressed her experiences working within Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and her displeasure with the contract negotiations.
“I teach middle school math. Watching this year’s negotiations and the lack of real response from [Prince George’s County Educators Association (PGCEA)] proposals has made one thing clear: this administration is willing to go to great lengths to devalue and disrespect us,” she said, in a room filled with numerous Prince George’s educators.
Since then, her testimony has been widely shared on social media.
Robinson, who has spent eight years in the school system, explained she only expects to spend two more years teaching in PGCPS. She spoke of the rising expectations for educators, without additional staff support or increased compensation.
Numerous teachers have also stated that outside jurisdictions have higher starting salaries for teachers, making the process of recruiting and retaining young teachers more difficult for PGCPS.
Further, members of PGCEA voted no-confidence in Superintendent Millard House II during a virtual meeting on June 4, citing concerns regarding the lack of support for educators.
“The children of Prince George’s County cannot thrive in a system where the adults responsible for their education are unheard, unsupported, and disrespected,” said PGCEA President Donna Christy.
House defends his records against PGCEA’s statements.
“For the last 23 months, I’ve focused on the work, focused on students as we think about academic achievement and growth. The Class of 2024 graduation rate rose to 80%,” he said, while also lauding improvements in teacher retention and reductions in contraband seizures.
“I’m proud of the work thus far. It’s unfortunate that politics can sometimes overshadow the positive work,” he said.
