A 1% raise does not keep up with inflation.

It does not reflect the rising cost of living.

And it does not support the educators our students depend on.

Join your colleagues across WCTA in sending a unified message:

One Percent is Not Enough

On your “dollar bill,” write a short message. Be sure to include the following:

Your name, position, and work location (optional, but the more personal you make your note, the better)
Why one percent is not enough
A brief example of how this impacts you (financially or professionally).

Keep your message:

Short (a few sentences is enough)
Personal (your experiences matter)
Respectful but clear

Ideas of what to include:

Grocery costs have increased, but my pay has not.
Childcare expenses are on the rise.
Healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are getting higher.
I’ve had to take on a second job/extra work.
Student loans are a significant portion of my income.
I spend my own money on classroom supplies.
My rent has increased beyond what I can manage.
One percent does not keep up with inflation.
We are losing quality educators due to low compensation.
Morale is impacted when pay does not reflect the increasing demand and workload of an educator.

When you finish your note:

Send it in the pony (school mail) to the WCTA office
Write ATTN: 1% on the envelope
Submit by Friday, April 17

Results, by the numbers:

In less than two weeks, 174 members of WCTA & WCESP shared our thoughts on why we deserve more than a 1% raise.

The Data (From 174 Responses)

80% mention rising cost of living / inflation
68% cite basic survival costs (groceries, gas, bills)
32% say they cannot afford to live or pay bills
24% report healthcare increases canceling out raises
20% say they need multiple jobs to survive
18% highlight housing struggles (rent or homeownership)

Real Impact of a 1% Raise

Example: ≈ $5/week after taxes
Inflation: ~2.4%–3.2%+
Result: A pay cut in real terms

What We Are Experiencing

“I can’t afford groceries.”
“I can’t pay my bills.”
“I need a second job.”
“Insurance increases will leave me with less money.”
“I can’t afford gas to get to work.”

Key Reality

A 1% raise:

Does not cover inflation
Does not cover rising insurance costs
Does not meet basic living needs

Many of us are losing purchasing power—even with a raise

The Bottom Line

This is not about “wanting more.”

This is about:

Affording food
Paying bills
Supporting families
Staying in the profession

What We Are Asking For

Raises that match or exceed cost of living (3%+)
Protection against healthcare cost increases
A livable, sustainable wage

This is What We Had to Say:

Names and specific, potentially identifying information have been removed to ensure anonymity

—1% does not cover increase of 1 utility bill. —1% does not keep up w/ inflation. —Beef aone at the grocery has increased 50%

—1% doesn’t cover the tax on a purchase. —COLA is higher than this! —Degrading number based on all the work at our job and take home work! —Doesn’t represent any appreciation for WCPS workers. —Doesn’t help at all w/ supplies I have to buy for my job

…becaue my daughter is in college out of state

1) A 1% raise doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it exists alongside the COLA. If inflation is sitting at 3% or 4%, a 1% raise means teachers are losing 2-3% of their purchasing power every year. 2) We are currently in a “talent war.” Our district doesn’t compete with neighboring school systems; we compete w/ the private sector. Most teachers have Masters & Certification w/ an annual increase of 1%, whereas the private sector – most have only Bachelors degrees & receive 3-4.5% annual increase! WCPS are losing educators for the private sector. 3) A 1% raise for $70,000 is $700 yearly before taxes. After taxes, that’s barely enough to cover a week’s worth of gas or food. Does NOT cover rising insurance.

1) Rent & other bills like electric that continue to go up. 2) Can’t afford groceries. 3) Need to be able to match cost of living to care for family

1% < What we deserve. It is a slap in the face!

1% does not cover cost of living and medical increase

1% for me is $7.22 per week. After tax I might get $5.00. To be fair everyone should get the same dollar amount so that the higher paid employees aren’t any different than the lower paid employees. $50 p/wk for everyone

1% for someone with a M.Ed. and 20+ years of experience?! Educators like me feel de-valued by this!

1% is a very poor choice. Can’t live off it w/ today’s economy

1% is not enough because even social security benefits will increase 2.8% for the increase in cost of living (SSA.gov)

1% is not enough because it does not keep up with current living cost.

1% is not enough for cost of living & insurance changes.

1% is not enough to cover the hike in insurance

1% is not enough to even pay for groceries or gas as inflation in s3.6%. We already make the lowest of everyone and do the most work! It’s not fair!

1% is not enough when I don’t even get the extra 10% others do get. I work w/ special ed students diploma bound

1% is not enough when I have two children in college and am financially responsible for taking care of elderly relatives.

1% is NOT enough when my grocery bill is higher than ever (despite shopping @ multiple retailers to lower costs. With one child registering for college and one entering HS; blending families w/ my aging mother and my spouse taking a pay-cut to reduce hours due to health consideration – we will struggle to keep our head’s above water for several yeras. In add., I pay out of pocket (often) for classroom supplies.

1% is not enough! I’m a young adult with a lot of expenses. I have to have two jobs just to be able to afford my bills/college loans! Please consider rethinking this! One percent does not keep up with the inflation!

1% is not enough. Because everything is going up (insurance, water, light, rent)

1% is not enough. Cost of living is higher. All counties nearby pay much more than WCPS

1% is not enough. Everything has sky rocketed in price – fuel, food, premiums, electricity, repair costs. I support a grandchild and those costs have increased as well. Doctors, day care, clothing and needed tiems. Taxes increased, & etc.

1% is not enough. Teachers do far more than teach – we take on multiple roles. If we were paid for everything we do, we would be earning far beyond what we currently receive.

1% is not enough. With things rising this impacts my family directly, my ability to continue furthering my education, and lastly my ability to feel job security. I hope you reflect deeply on this as if it was you and your family. Thank you for what you do.

1% isn’t enough to cover the cost of insurance increase.

1% pay increase does not cover insurance increase

1% will not cover other increases w/ Benefits! Possibly a decrease

1% will not help cover expenses on the household bills

5 percent raise to cover the essentials. Thank you.

A 1% doesn’t cover my groceries, electric, gas, and all of my other stuff that has gone up.

A 1% raise does not reflect the financial realities our family is facing. We recently welcomed a new baby after undergoing IVF, which required significant out of pocket expenses. With rising insurance premiums, deductibles, childcare costs, and basic needs, this increase falls short. I remain deeply commited to my students, giving time beyond the school day, at the expense of my own family. This request is not just about compensation, but recognizing our financial pressures.

A 1% raise will not keep up with inflation/cost of living these days. With the proposed changes to health care coverage, I’ll be taking home less even with a 1% raise. I don’t feel valued with these proposals.

A 1% salary increase does not reflect current economic conditions. As educators, it is difficult to keep pace financially, particularly as everyday expenses outgrow adjustments. We urge the board to offer a proposal that more fairly reflects the needs and values of its educators.

A one percent increase feels like a slap in the face. I have to work two and three jobs and can still barely make my bills. We deserve more. We work HARD!

According to the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the consumer price index is up 2.4% over the last 12 months. Jan 9th Hearld Mail cites a proposed 8.14% salary increase for elected officials – commissioners & school board!!!

As a graduate of WCPS, I wanted to support my community by teaching here. Now 27 years later, the cost of groceries, gas & just healthy living are skyrocketing! Every day I support students with developmenetal needs & I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

As a single income, single woman, the rising cost of living is becoming more difficult. I waitress summer, but I now have to pick up hours on the week nights to pay for my RENT increase. Not to mention other expenses…like starting a masters degree & paying my student loans.

Be able to afford gas for my car.

Because everything is too expensive

Because I’m a WCPS parent, too, with 3 kids on the way to college

Because inflation is getting higher and higher. Everything goes up except wages.

Because it does not pay anything that doesn’t cover expenses

Because the cost of living goes up and wages don’t go up. This is why most of us get 2nd jobs.

Because you can’t be in front and back of bus at same time with students who have behavior problems

Being a mom of 2 very active kids, a wife and a teacher & coach I had to start my own business to supplment normal living expenses.

Bills are increasing and 1% raise is not enough for us to survive this economy.

Can’t afford a new pair of shoes.

Can’t afford groceries, electric bill, gas – everything. How the hell is 1% enough. Ridiculous. How do you expect people to live. Then raise our insurance prices & we get less. Do Better!

Can’t afford rent

Can’t buy my own home. Gonna need a second job. Can’t pay bills. Can’t provide for my own child. Can’t pay gas to come to work.

Can’t live off 1%

Can’t pay for my car

Cancelled vacation this year

Cannot live off affordability

Child care expenses are on the rise.

Childcare & gas prices are on the rise. Healthcare premiums & out of pocket expenses are getting higher. One percent does not keep up with inflation. Grocery costs have increased but my pay has not.

Classroom supplies. Rent increase. Bill increase. College tuition. Groceries

Cost of living

Cost of living is 3% min!

Cost of living is getting too expensive

Cost of living is going up

Cost of living is not affordable.

Cost of living too high

Cost of living, ins up 10%, gas cost, food cost

Daycare

Dear WCPS, 15 is nowhere near enough. I have a masters degree and barely make enough to buy groceries and pay bills. Why do teachers have to keep fighting for our worth? You care about us? Prove it!

Due to inflation and the rise in our insurance, 1% is not enough. I spend a lot of money on my classroom – but I had to cut back this year. We are going to lose qualified teachers if something is not done. Thank you for your time!

Due to inflation, I’m making less than I have in years with a 1% increase.

Everythingi is going up. Insurance is always going up. Cost of living.

Food/Groceries. Gas. Children. Health care. If health care goes up, we are losing money! Have to make 3x rent for place to live

Fuel prices

GAS

Gas has gone up $1.30 since January 2026

Gas price increase

Gas prices are going up!

Goods and services roughly 20-22% more than 2021 yet our pay is only increasing by 1%! We do more with less. Many employees will need a second or third job… which WILL affect our jobs!

Groceries

Groceries are on the rise & I have a baby to feed!

Groceries are up 3% in the past year!

Groceries!

Grocery and gas costs are increasing, but my pay has not. I started a second job, but with overall increase in living costs, I can barely make ends meet with rent and childcare.

Healthcare premiums and out of pocket expenses are getting higher. It takes a lot of money to care for three children with multiple health conditions.

High cost of living!

How can I help kids if I can’t help myself? 1% is a pay cut that doesn’t even match inflation. I can barely afford the essentails and minor problems wipe out my savings.

I already work two jobs to help pay for grocieries. Without appropriate cost of living wages, two jobs will not be enough.

I am a 30+ year veteran. I have lost ground financially for the last six years. I’m not asking for a corporate bonus, I’m only asking for a fair wage to hedge inflation.

I believet hat a 1% increase is not enough given the current cost of living. Expenses like gas, housing, food, and utilities have all gone up by at least 16.9% for utilities and 12.7% housing. 1% increase does not reflect the demands of these changes in living standard. I hope the union can push for a stronger adjustment that can make a real difference for members and their families.

I can’t afford light bill, gas for my car, groceries. I live by myself

I can’t afford my bills, had to get a part-time job to make ends meet. Don’t get to see my family now!

I can’t afford my gas to get back and forth to work or even to buy food.

I can’t afford to feed my family.

I can’t afford to pay for gas.

I can’t feed my family and can’t pay my bills, pay food.

I can’t live. Can’t buy food. Can’t pay my bills. Can’t buy gas. Cost of living

I cannot afford life on this salary. 1% is not enough.

I cannot afford my car payment each month nor basic groceries or gas!

I cannot buy groceries as it is

I cannot pay my rent

I cover a lot of bills in our family, with a big jump in our insurance, it’s hard en ough paying bills now but will be worse now that insurance is going up so much.

I drive a 21 year old car because it’s paid for. Inflation hits so hard I can’t afford a car payment, gas, gorceries, and now more for insurance. I try to be self-sufficient and sell things on the side, but it’s not enough!!

I have a Bachelors degree and was told upon hire that wage was non-negotiable despite my experience and high qualifications, simply because I’m ESP. I worked hard and got my degree to be here and deserve a living wage. I deserve to be able to work and go home to my family and not worry about the health and safety of myself and my family. I should not need multiple jobs to survive just because I have a job I love. Health insurance increasing with only 1% pay increase is horrible! In a specialized classroom, germs spread rapidly and we aren’t compensated for illness via workmans com. How are we expected to take care of ourselves/our families/our students when WCPS won’t take care of us?

I have kids!

I love my job. I love helping students. However, to be a school counselor requires a master’s degree. Student loans are a burden, exacerbated by the rising cost of living. Fair compensations increases staff retention & shows us that we are valued. Please show us we matter. One percent does not show us you value us. Please support us. Thank you.

I need more than 1% because of gas prices and the cost of food.

I need to be able to pay my loans and save for a house.

I need to pay my bills

I would have a funeral for my father.

I’m working to feed a family of 8. Not only feed them but provide a home, electricity, water, and any health care they might need. ONE PERCENT IS NOT ENOUGH.

I’ve given 20 years of my life to WCPS. -43% of my life has been spent educating the children of WCPS. 1% + the insurance increases essential amounts to a pay cut. We deserve more.

If something cost $10 in 2021, it now costs $12.02 = 21% more. INFLATION: 2022 = 9.1%; 2023 = 3.8%; 2024 = 2.9%; 2025 = 3.2%. WCPS SALARY INCREASE: 2023/24 = 3%; 2024/25 = 2%; 2025/26 = 1%

If the county commissioners would stop lining their pockets they could afford to give us more than a 1% raise.

In relationships, workers responsibilities, people expect commitment. Giving just 1% can feel like disinterest or lack of care, because it doesn’t meet the need or standard.

Increased behavior problems and drugs in schools have made my job a lot harder. 1% does not do it.

Inflation is high, gas prices are crazy – I live 40 minutes from work. It creates low morale especially when neighboring counties pay more. Please fight for us —good employees are hard to find.

Inflation last month was 3%. A 1% increase per year does not even keep up with inflation. This does not cover the increase in gas to come to work.

INFLATION. Ins cost increased/deductible. Cost of living, gas, grocery. I already work a second job of 42 to 48 hours a month. Out of pocket expenses for insurance. Moreale and work eithic is impacted. INFLATION.

Insurance increase. Everyday expenses. Cost of living

It is hard to pay for groceries and gas. The increase in health care premiums takes a big chunk of our pay. I am concerned a lot of quality teachers and staff will look elsewhere for jobs that pay more. Neighboring counties have higher pay for educators already.

Life is so expensive right now and I may need a second job.

Many of my colleagues, myself included, have had to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Staff are losing valuable time for self-care due to financial demands. That trickles over to school where staff are pouring from an empty cup.

My electric bill went up more than the 1% raise in just 1 month. Now multiply that out by 12 months! 1% IS NOT ENOUGH

My gas to get to work keeps rising.

My home owners insurance increases at least 5% each year

My paycheck will be in the negative if insurance also goes up.

Need more than 1% to take care of my infant.

Need to apply for 2nd job to make ends meet.

Not enough to live on. Gas, groceries, etc. Already well below the living wage. I don’t want to have to quit this job b/c of the low pay. 1% w/ insurance going up. We’re losing money.

One percent does not keep up with inflation

One percent does not keep up with inflation! The cost to feed a family of 6 and commute to work is raising while our pay is not.

One percent is not enough – especially with the increases and expenses related to healthcare and insurance. In addition, moreale in the schools decreases when we feel we aren’t valued.

One percent is not enough because inflation has gone up as well as other household expenses. I have to supplement income to make ends meet.

One percent is not enough because the cost of living is rising and my pay should at least try to keep up. Caring for a family, contributing to my hosuehold, purchasing necessities, and getting from point A to point B require more than one percent.

One percent is not enough for our cost of living. We deserve more!

One percent is not enough! All other costs of living have increased, but my pay has not. Low compensation equals losing talented quality teachers.

One percent is not enough. My husband has had to take on a second job just to afford our mortgage and childcare

Pay ESP for 6 snow days rather htan employees having to use sick/personal

Paying for my student loans is where most of my income goes and I thought working for the school system would benefit me, but we need more than 1%.

Prices of everything going up. The ones that do the real work should be getting the raise.

Raising 4 kids is really hard with the one percent.

Rent increase

Respectfully, We, the bus drivers and attendants of Washington County are tasked daily with the safe transport to and from school, of every elegibile student. We are required as drivers to obtain and maintain a CDL-B driver’s license. Drivers and attendants are subject to additioanl trainings and testing. That being said, we are all subjected daily to a level of disrepect, and abhorrent, inappropriate behavior that would shock some white collars. Being cussed at, spit on, kicked, stratched, and punched, or having things thrown at us. Our buses get trashed and we are left to clean up the mess. We often get NO support from upper management or school administration. We CERTAINLY don’t get paid enough as it is. Most of us have seconds jobs. It is absolutely INSULTING after all we do for the children and families of the county to say that we will only receive a 1% raise. Without us, no one would get anywhere. Show some actual appreciation, and at least pretend that you care about us.

Rising cost of health care and general inflation means a 1% raise is not enough. Teachers will see less money in our pockets even with our yearly “raise”

Taught in Washington County for 28 years and live in Washington County. One percent is not enough because our health care is rising and we will in fact be getting a pay cut with the 1%. We deserve better.

The 1% raise does not help my family. We are already living pay check to pay check & both my spouse and I work great jobs. We don’t live outside of our means. However with the cost of everything plus unexpected bills we don’t have enough to live on. We have 2 growing girls & some unexpected medical bills for one who has a speech delay it’s not enough. Not to mention that we have unexpected car repair bills for a truck that has blown 3 engines. We can’t afford to pay off current balance to get a new reliable vehicle.

The cost of everything is going up and you can’t get ahead.

The cost of living has gone up! We deserve better – DO BETTER!

The cost of living typically goes up 3% per year.

The daily cost of living has gone up. 1% does not even cover that, and our health care is going up. I will be taking home less!

The national average increase is 3% for each person. Are we at least worth the average?

The price of GAS to get to work

There are too many students not getting assistance.

This hurts families, students, and your employees. I have a teenager, a WCPS educated, 4.0, awesome kid. This 1% does not cover all the expenses we have now and in 2 years as she applies for school. We can’t afford to visit schools.

Tired of trying to prove my WORTH

Wage does not match what other professions requiring our level of educaiotn provide. Techers should not have to stay out of love for children.

WCPS educators deserve a living wage increase. This past year, I have had countless unexpected expenses – new washer, dishwasher, refrigerator, personal laptopl, and roof…I now carry debt for the first time ever!

We already don’t make enough, now we’re going to pay more in health insurance, so we’ll make less-with a raise.

We appreciate our employer but also need to feel appreciated. 1% not enough for 2 kids in college and our lowered healthcare. Not enough to feed a house full w/ rising costs of groceries. High demands of teaching. Not enough to keep quality teachers to other competitive salaries.

We are always asked to do much, much more than 1% more.

We are expected to continue higher education, then have to justify our value. I have to consider other job options out of county if I can’t continue to afford to live. I just had a child and can’t keep up with inflation. ONE PERCENT IS NOT ENOUGH!!!

We are more valuable than 1%!!! And that is ridiculous!!!

We can’t afford insurance increases or a 1% pay increase. I work 3 jobs to make up for my pay at WCPS. Everything has increased (gas, groceries) except our pay.

Wes Moore

Wes Moore is raising property tax from .54/$100 to $1.54/100. Inflation & interest rates

While the yearly average inflation rate is ~3.2%, in years such as 2021 and 2022, rates reached 6.5% or higher, outpacing WCPS average pay increases nearly sevenfold. This reflects decreased spending power for consistent quality.

Why 1% is not enough… —My wife and I want to start a family, but we are going to struggle with the cost of healthcare. —My pay only covers our mortgage. Everything else is covered by my wife’s pay who is a teacher in Frederick Co. —I have earned 2 Bachelor’s degrees and a Master’s degree, but I earn less than a majority of those with 1 degree. —I want to stay here for my whole career because I love my school, but PAYCUTS and RISING HEALTH CARE COSTS will push me to take my talents elsewhere in the state.

Why do educators constantly have to fight to prove their worth? 1% is a slap in the face. I have to take on extra work to make ends meet! 1% is shameful. 25/26 increases for my family: groceries, gas, utilities, mortgage, insurance

Will have to get a 3rd job just to keep up with the cost of living.

With 3 kids, 1% is not enough. I cannot afford groceries and have house payment and with gas rising, struggling to meet th eneeds of basic essentials is tough.

With everything going up in price, I need affordable insurance.

With the economy the way it is and no signs of changing anytime soon, the cost of living will definitely increase and 1% won’t cove that increase.

With the rising cost of gas, groceries, and basic essentials – 1% is not enough! With student loan payments starting again – that is another layer. I’m single and one income is tough. 1% is not enough!

Read What Members Had to Say