My story today looks at reactions to Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith’s budget – specifically as it relates to education. More than half of Smith’s $2.5 million proposal is allocated to the Board of Education.

Most seem quite pleased with the budget, including Superintendent Joe A. Hairston, but nothing will be final until the County Council votes on it next month. There's a public hearing at 7 p.m. April 28 in council chambers and a public work session on May 4.

Teachers union President Cheryl Bost also expressed her appreciation for the 3.5 percent increase.  But she also observed that, even if teachers get the pay raise, their lengthy push for better pay can’t end there. The county still remains behind others in terms of competitive salaries, she said, in part because there were no raises this fiscal year.

Bost emphasized that instructors are grateful for what they might get, considering the state of the economy. But she also said a long-term plan for teacher retention is needed.

Any thoughts on ways to keep good teachers on board?