Primary and Secondary Education - Public School Employees - Salaries

SB 517 sets a $60,000 minimum annual salary for all public school employees in Maryland, effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes two mandatory salary increases: $10,000 for employees earning National Board Certification or an approved alternative high-quality credential, and $7,000 for employees assigned to low-performing schools as defined by county boards. These increases apply to "qualified educators" (public school employees providing direct instruction or services, excluding certified teachers as defined in the law) and are permanent even if a school's performance rating changes. The bill directly affects teachers, nurses, social workers, JROTC instructors, and other support staff across Maryland's public school systems.