TOWSON, MD—The Board of Education of Baltimore County has approved a one-time $1,000 retention and recruitment bonus for all Baltimore County Public Schools employees. With approval from the state, employees will receive the one-time bonus in January.

“As we work to make BCPS a premier school system, it is important that we show our staff how much we appreciate them and their commitment to Baltimore County,” said Superintendent Darryl Williams. “It is our hope that the steps we are taking today as a system will help us provide greater support and recognition for our employees and build a stronger Team BCPS.”

The total cost of this one-time bonus for all BCPS employees is approximately $21 million. BCPS will seek state approval to use Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funding to provide this additional compensation to school system staff.

The federal government and Maryland State Department of Education have permitted school districts to use emergency relief funds to support efforts to retain and recruit employees.

The bonus will be provided to all members of Team BCPS including FTE, PTE, temporary, substitute, contractual, and other employees, except the Superintendent of Schools. The amount will be prorated as determined by the Superintendent. This one-time bonus is in addition to the previously approved bonuses for AFSCME members.

BCPS will continue to explore additional ways to recognize and support its employees and bolster its efforts to recruit and retain outstanding employees.