To the Editor: 

The paraprofessionals that work with our students every single day are some of the hardest working, caring, and influential members of our school community. They spend their day helping ensure our children are getting the best education EVERY DAY! Wareham Public Schools Paraprofessionals have been negotiating their next contracts since January 11 and have made little progress. 

According to a recent study from MIT, a paraprofessional on step 20, with a master’s degree, who has worked in Wareham Public Schools for 25 years will still fall short of a living wage by over $700 a year. According to a recent study from MIT, a paraprofessional on salary step 20, with a master’s degree, who has worked in Wareham Public Schools for 25 years will still fall short of a $37,628 living wage by over $700 a year. The highest-paid paraprofessional in the Wareham Public Schools is currently on salary step 14, making $29,769. Half of our paraprofessionals are utilizing government assistance and many have a second, or third job just to make ends meet. This is absolutely unacceptable! 

The paraprofessionals are asking for: 

• $1.00 raise in year one of the new contract 
• $1.25 raise in year two of the new contract 
• $1.25 raise in year three of the new contract 

The district is countering with: 

• a $0.50 raise in year one 
• a $0.46 raise in year two 
• a $0.42 raise in year three 

Often, paraprofessionals are pulled to substitute for classroom teachers when there is a shortage of substitutes. This has the detrimental effect of leaving our students without the familiar consistent presence of their paraprofessional and disruption of provided services. 

Our paraprofessionals need help! Please come be a part of our presence at the School Committee meeting on April 7 in room 320 at the Multi-Service Center!

Sonya Rogers

Unit C Union Rep