PGCPS board members complain of unauthorized raises in central office

WASHINGTON - Several Prince George's County central office employees received large, unauthorized raises, according to several Prince George's County school board members.

Board members Edward Burroughs, David Murray and Raaheela Ahmed sent a letter to Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker on Tuesday saying that the raises could have only happened "under the direction of a member of Dr. Maxwell's executive cabinet or Dr. Maxwell himself." It also cited that the raises ranged from two to three steps, or 10-12 percent, and violated collective bargaining agreements.

FOX 5 has independently verified the raises occurred and the fact that Dr. Maxwell, school board chair Segun Eubanks, the vice-chair of the board, the assistant superintendent and others learned of the findings in mid-February. The investigation was prompted by tips to the district's compliance hotline.

The letter from the board members went on to allege that another investigation is underway into whether there were additional unauthorized raises in the central office. The letter expressed concern that "this unauthorized pay increase issue could be more pervasive throughout central office."

"…we are concerned about the message this sends to other hard-working employees in our system especially our teachers who are 3 steps behind on their pay scale," the letter reads.

A spokesperson for Prince George's County Public Schools says the investigations into the unauthorized raises have not been finalized yet.

A spokesperson for Baker confirmed receipt of the letter saying that his office will review and respond to it.