Wareham School officials prepare for state minimum wage hike

Jan 17, 2019

Wareham Public School administrators are planning for a $6,000 budget increase ahead of a hike in the state’s minimum wage.

On Thursday, Business Manager Susan Owen informed the School Committee that come Jan. 1 the state’s minimum wage will increase from $11 an hour to $12 an hour. The rate will continue to increase over the next five years until it reaches $15 an hour.

Owen said while municipalities are exempt from the increase, officials decided to move forward.

“I’m not going to vote ‘yes’ on any budget that doesn’t pay our staff state minimum wage,” said School Committee member Micheal Flaherty. “I’m really glad we’re doing this.”

Owen said roughly seven district employees will see increases, mostly substitute custodians, substitute secretaries and bus monitors.