Schools attest they met Maryland $60,000 starting teacher salary; commissioners authorize signature

Dr. Rob Willoughby, deputy superintendent, told the commissioners that Caroline County Public Schools met the Maryland Blueprint mandate requiring a $60,000 minimum starting teacher salary as of July 1, 2026. He said the district’s negotiated starting salary for new teachers next year will be $61,050.

"We have met the mandate, as of 07/01/2026," Willoughby said, and noted last year’s starting salary was $58,000; the district made additional adjustments to step increases and negotiated pay scales to meet the requirement without using furloughs or RIFs. Willoughby said the state-provided attestation form — which requires the superintendent’s and the county commission president’s signatures — is due Sept. 1.

Commissioner Larry C. Porter moved to authorize the president to sign the attestation; President Jay Travis Breeding seconded the motion and the commission approved it by voice vote. The county will sign and return the attestation to the state as requested.