Per Howard County:
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Calvin Ball today signed an Executive Order immediately lifting the mask mandate in Howard County. Howard County public buildings and facilities, and public transit, including the RTA, will still require masks. Businesses and organizations may still require masking at their own discretion.
County Executive Ball released the following statement regarding the mask mandate:
“On December 23, 2021, I signed an Executive Order that required masking in indoor public facilities. This action was vital to combat our rapidly rising COVID-19 metrics fueled by the increasing spread of the omicron variant. At the height of the post-holiday surge, our positivity rate was nearly 30%, our case rate per 100,000 was 199, and 84 people were hospitalized at Howard County General Hospital. During the past month, we’ve seen our metrics decrease significantly, and more of our residents got their vaccines and booster shots.
Today, our positivity rate is at 8.47%, a 70% decrease from its peak, our case rate per 100,000 is 34, an 83% decrease from its peak, and our hospitalizations have decreased by 60%. Additionally, there is now a wide availability of rapid at-home testing and high-quality masks. Our metrics are encouraging; however, our residents should still use caution in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Due to Omicron’s virulence, we still recommend the use of high-quality masks, such as N95s and KN95s especially for residents who may be at higher risk.
The single most effective way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted. Approximately 86% of our residents 12+ are fully vaccinated, however, about 44% of those eligible still have not received a booster. Residents are highly encouraged to get a booster as studies show that antibodies wane after six months and this may make the difference in keeping our family and friends out of the hospital.
Nearly 65% of our 5-11-year-olds have received at least their first vaccine dose. I strongly encourage our youngest residents to get vaccinated, get boosted, and help your family and friends get their shots.”
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is implementing a 25% increase to the daily rate for substitute teachers, as approved by the Board of Education.
The daily rate for substitute teachers in HCPSS prior to the increase can be seen below:
- Non-degree (minimum 60 credits) – $100
- Degree (BA or higher) – $110
- Retired Teacher (verification required) – $125
Pay rates in MCPS are currently $18.79 per hour for non-certified teachers and $19.97 per hour is the substitute is teacher-certified.
The 25% increase, which took effect immediately (January 13, 2022) will be funded as part of the Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) FY22 Operating Budget.
“Substitute teachers are an absolutely essential part of our school operations and have been critical to maintain operations throughout the pandemic,” said Superintendent Michael J. Martirano Ed.D. “They have stepped in to help in a myriad of ways, ensuring that our students are supported amidst ever-changing circumstances. This increase helps maintain Howard County schools as a destination that attracts high-quality substitute teachers to fill in when our teachers are absent.”
High demand for substitute teachers exists throughout Maryland. The new pay increase places HCPSS among the highest paying districts in the state for substitute teachers, helping to attract top candidates to the position.
“We have relied heavily on substitutes over the past two years and I am grateful we are able to offer this financial incentive for their continued service to our students,” said Board Chair Vicky Cutroneo. “Their willingness to step in at a moment’s notice has been invaluable.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated higher numbers of substitute teachers in schools while staff are required to isolate or quarantine. Currently, there is a shortage of available substitutes similar to staff shortages in other areas including pupil transportation and food and nutrition.
Individuals interested in becoming a substitute teacher in HCPSS schools should apply online.
The Howard County Public School Board of Education voted 8-0 in favor of a motion to “add in one additional 3-hour early dismissal each month for all students beginning December 2021 through May 2022.” The purpose of the calendar modification is to “provide school-based staff with additional time to address increased staff workload and to support employee well-being.”
According to HCPSS Board of Education Member, Vicky Cutroneo, the new early dismissal dates include:
- December 15th, 2021
- January 19th, 2022
- February 16th, 2022
- March 16th, 2022
- April 27th, 2022
- May 18th, 2022
Montgomery County teachers recently participated in a “MCEA Informational Car Picket & Rally at MCPS Headquarters,” which took place 4pm at MCPS headquarters (850 Hungerford Drive) on October 26th.
The purpose of the car picket and rally was to “stop the exploitation of staff” and was described as a collective action to demand that the MCPS Board of Education address outstanding educator concerns around workload.
