Teacher 'sick out' in Prince George's County does not materialize

A teacher "sick out" that school officials prepared for never materialized on Monday in Prince George's County.

Last week, Prince George's County schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell sent a warning to all principals that they should be prepared for the possibility of a teacher 'sick out' even though it is not supported by the Prince George's County Educators' Association. "Although PGCEA has stated it does not support 'unprotected actions' such as 'organized sick out,' some employees are planning a 'sick out' on Monday," his letter said. "You may want to prepare for higher than usual teacher absences."

Talk of the "sick out" was prompted by unauthorized raises given to four employees in the District's central office. FOX 5's Melanie Alniwck reports that Maxwell told FOX 5 that one person is being investigated for those pay raises.

Alniwck reports that a school spokesperson said teachers just negotiated a new contract with a three percent raise in January and another three percent coming in November.

PGCEA called for a "Work to Rule" action, from Monday through the school spring break on March 30. The action advises teachers not to do anything beyond their required duties, including after school activities teachers aren't being paid to supervise.