By NEIL ZOLOT
NORTH READING — Dozens of school paraprofessionals and their supporters spoke about the need for a living wage – the subject of ongoing negotiations – during the public comment period of the September 26 School Committee meeting.
“It’s time to stop undervaluing and underpaying paraprofessionals,” began Nancy Scioli, who is a paraprofessional at the E. Ethel Little School as well as president of the North Reading Federation of Paraprofessionals.
“I am one of 65 paraprofessionals that strengthen our schools as tutors, van monitors, substitute teachers and before and after school staff. For too long we have not been paid a living wage. The cost of living has skyrocketed and 3% cost of living increase will not cover that,” continued Scioli. “We should not have to have other jobs to feed our families or sacrifice so much to follow our chosen career path. The work we do for the children of North Reading is vital to their success and the success of our schools. We ask you if your goal to maximize student achievement will be achieved without the dedicated paraprofessionals. The truth is you can’t.”
“Why are we still fighting for anyone to receive a living wage, let alone for a staff that cares for the children?” her daughter and Batchelder School special education teacher Jessica Scioli added.
“Just as doctors can’t operate without nurses, pilots without co-pilots and coaches without assistant coaches, our schools can’t operate without paraprofessionals. They are not less than; they are essential. We’ve earned a reputation as a complete staff, but not as teachers alone. We do not teach alone. As more students are labeled with learning differences or are given Individual Education Plans, the more we will rely on our support staff,” Jessica Scioli stated.”
“I speak as an educator and a parent. As a kindergarten and first grade teacher, paraprofessionals were my lifeline. I relied on them to not just to work with special education students but all my students,” Marianne Keith told the committee.
“The success of our children depend on positive, collaborative relationships that include paraprofessionals who assist and substitute in our classrooms. As the parent of a special needs child, I constantly see the impact they have on his well being and education. They deserve to be compensated for their hard work,” Keith added. “Many of our paraprofessionals spend their weekends working additional jobs but continue to show up to support the children of North Reading. I worry about them having to work a second job or leaving for a higher paying job. One job should be enough.”
Keith also said the children “sing the praises of paraprofessionals they interact with daily.”
In addition Leslie Mazzone read a letter from parent and special education advocate Debbie Sharp echoing many of the same points.
These and other remarks were also expressed at a rally held on the Town Common on September 11. The paraprofessionals had planned to go to the School Committee meeting that night but the meeting was canceled. A negotiation session also slated for September 20 was canceled. Another session was scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 (after press time).
As remarks wound down, 17-year paraprofessional Lori Capezutto presented a formal petition with 1,400 signatures to the School Committee.
“Provide the support staff the living wage they deserve,” the petition reads in part. “North Reading schools could not function without paraprofessionals. The cost of living has skyrocketed and the role of paraprofessionals has expanded, but the School Committee is offering the smallest increase to employees paid the least.”
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) used MIT’s living wage calculator to determine a single adult in Middlesex County needs over $48,000 just to support themselves, while a couple with one child need to earn $54,000 each to support their family. Of course, more money is need for more children.
The AFT also reports North Reading paraprofessionals earn from $24,000-$35,000. “As a result most North Reading paras work more than one job to support themselves or rely on public assistance programs, or both, to get by,” reads their article on the subject.
School Committee Chairman Scott Buckley responded by stating, “We appreciate everyone coming out. I hope nothing we say comes across as disrespectful. It’s not intended that way. Anything we do is not intended to be disrespectful or show a lack of appreciation.”