Eight contracted teachers are suing Baltimore City Public Schools and the nonprofit Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center (LTYC) for allegedly failing to pay them for months of work. The teachers, who provided arts education, claim they are owed wages from April, May, and June, with prior paychecks also significantly delayed. The lawsuit highlights the complexities and potential liabilities of school systems contracting with third-party organizations for essential services.
Key Takeaways
- Eight contracted arts education teachers are suing Baltimore City Public Schools and LTYC for unpaid wages.
- Teachers claim they are owed wages for April, May, and June, with previous payments also delayed.
- The lawsuit alleges LTYC, which received over $600,000 from City Schools, failed to pay its teachers despite a substantial contract.
- Baltimore City Public Schools states it has met its financial obligations to LTYC and expects vendors to pay their employees.
- LTYC’s founder cites late payments from school systems and the general climate for nonprofits as reasons for the delays.
The Lawsuit’s Allegations
Teachers contracted through LTYC, a nonprofit that provides arts education in Baltimore City Public Schools, have filed a federal lawsuit alleging they have not been paid for several months. The law firm representing the teachers, Hoffman Employment Law, LLC, stated that wages for April, May, and June 2025 remain unpaid, and previous paychecks were also significantly delayed. The lawsuit contends that despite LTYC being the direct employer, the school system bears responsibility for ensuring these educators are compensated, as the funding ultimately originates from the district.
School District and Nonprofit Responses
Baltimore City Public Schools has stated that it expects its vendors, including LTYC, to compensate their employees fairly. The district confirmed it has paid LTYC over $600,000 to date, fulfilling its contractual obligations. They maintain that any failure by LTYC to pay its employees is solely the responsibility of the nonprofit. Dr. Dermell Brunson, founder and president of LTYC, acknowledged that the organization has faced significant financial challenges over the past year, attributing delays to late payments from various school systems, not just Baltimore City. He estimates that around 40 instructors may be owed money, though he disputes the higher end of wage claims.
Teachers’ Plight and Contract Details
The teachers involved in the lawsuit describe facing severe financial hardship, including being behind on bills and relying on family for support. They continued to work, driven by their commitment to their students and the arts programs, which might otherwise be unavailable. LTYC operated under a $7.5 million contract with Baltimore City Public Schools, which began in 2023 and was extended through June 2026. The teachers question why, given the substantial contract value, their wages have not been paid.
Broader Implications
Lawyers for the teachers suggest that this situation highlights the risks associated with government entities contracting external staff rather than hiring them directly. While such arrangements can offer flexibility in managing labor costs, they can also lead to increased liability if the contracting entity fails to meet its fundamental obligation of paying employees. The case underscores the importance of accountability in the chain of payment when third-party vendors are involved in public services.
Sources
- Contracted teachers sue Baltimore schools, nonprofit LTYC over unpaid wages, CBS News.
- Contracted teachers sue Baltimore schools, nonprofit LTYC over unpaid wages, CBS News.
- Teachers face off against nonprofit, Baltimore schools over unpaid wages, CBS News.
