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Union-backed push for paraprofessional stipend and renewed PTA training discussed at District 25 DLT
Summary
Union representatives said a proposed city council bill would provide a stipend for paraprofessionals; parent-leader and DC 37 representatives pressed for PTA training, stronger PTA governance and better SAPIS staffing.
Union and parent representatives briefed the District 25 leadership team on two operational priorities: a union-backed proposal for a paraprofessional stipend and district/parent‑organization efforts to rebuild parent engagement and PTA capacity.
Lamar (union representative) described a citywide petition drive — more than 55,000 signatures as of the meeting — supporting a proposed bill that would provide a stipend (the proposal discussed during the meeting described a $10,000 figure) for paraprofessionals. Lamar said the stipend is not salary in legal terms but would be a legislated bonus/stipend requiring a city council vote; he said a vote is expected by June. District members discussed the importance of paraprofessionals to day‑to‑day school operations and signaled possible district-level support for outreach if the campaign advances.
Separately, Charnette (parent/President’s Council) and Monique (DC 37 representative) described frequent problems with PTA governance, declining volunteer engagement since the pandemic and instances where PTA financial processes and compliance were inconsistent. Charnette said expedited elections and turnover had forced repeated re-runs of PTA leadership elections and urged districtwide workshops to train new PTA officers on required governance (agenda expectations, interim financial reporting and compliance). Monique confirmed parent coordinators receive a yearly $2,000 taxable allowance and urged schools to use SAPIS staff where available; she and other speakers flagged staffing shortages among SAPIIS employees in some school kitchens and called for follow-up.
Why it matters: paraprofessional compensation affects staffing stability and classroom support. PTA governance, parent coordinator support and SAPIIS staffing affect school-family engagement and program delivery.
Less-critical details: the union campaign is at the petition and advocacy stage and would require legislative action; DLT members asked for follow-up on PTO/PTA training dates and for district support on compliance and outreach.
