The negotiating teams for the Board of Education and the two organizations representing administrative personnel and support service employees of the Montgomery County Public Schools announced today [Friday, January 21] that separate tentative agreements have been reached on labor contracts covering the next three years.

The tentative agreements would affect approximately 8,500 school system employees represented by the Montgomery County Association of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (MCAASP) and the Montgomery County Council of Supporting Services Employees (MCCSSE - SEIU Local 500).

Negotiations on both tentative agreements were concluded this week, and the details of the proposed contracts are being sent to the union memberships and the Board of Education for consideration. The proposed agreements cover salaries, benefits, and working conditions for the period of time from July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2003. Details of the settlements will be released after they have been received and reviewed by the union members.

The tentative settlements have already been recommended for member approval by the respective executive boards of each organization. A ratification vote by the membership of MCAASP will be conducted over the next week. A ratification vote by the membership of MCCSSE will be conducted over the next month.

The Board of Education is expected to amend the Fiscal Year 2001 operating budget request at its meeting on February 3, 2000, to include the necessary funds for the new agreements.

The negotiations process over the past several months between representatives of the Board and MCAASP have incorporated the unique interest-based bargaining process facilitated by a representative of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). Both parties continue to be committed to the enhancement of collaboration and cooperation in their relationship.