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Paraprofessionals urge Wakefield School Committee for higher pay and workplace protections
Summary
Paraprofessionals and parents used public comment at the April 8 Wakefield School Committee meeting to press for a livable wage, citing expanded job duties, low pay ($28,000–$33,000), and safety and training concerns while Unit C contract talks continue.
Paraprofessionals, parents and other residents urged the Wakefield School Committee on April 8 to prioritize higher wages and stronger workplace protections during ongoing Unit C contract negotiations.
Speakers described paraprofessionals’ expanding role in classrooms and special programs, and said current pay—reported during public comment as between $28,000 and $33,000—falls short of a living wage and hurts retention.
The push came during the meeting’s public-comment period, when Unit C representatives Kim Smith and Sheila Giunta described paraprofessionals’ daily responsibilities—one-to-one support, small-group instruction, lesson…
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