Baltimore County educators ask for cost of living adjustments as county executive says proposed budget is too large

Baltimore County Public Schools educator Lloyd Allen came to the school system’s board of education meeting Tuesday night with two empty egg cartons. The average price of eggs has skyrocketed amid avian flu-related shortages, making Allen’s cartons a visual and financial reminder of rising inflation. And yet, Allen pointed out, Superintendent Darryl L. Williams’ budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 does not include a cost of living adjustment, or COLA, for staff. The omission left Allen “quite surprised.”