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Paraprofessionals urge pay increases during public comment; trustees cited request during compensation discussions
Summary
Two paraprofessionals spoke during public comment about low pay and multiple outside jobs; the request was raised in the context of a broader board discussion that approved a 3% raise for many employees later in the meeting.
During the June 26 public comment period at the Comal ISD board meeting, two paraprofessionals urged trustees to increase pay for paraprofessionals and other support staff.
Kimberly Hilton, who said she has worked for the district five years, said her pay has not changed in three years and that she works several outside jobs to make ends meet. "I love my job ... but the pay just is not a living wage," Hilton said, adding she sometimes earns more per hour in a local service job that does not require a college degree. Hilton told the board that paraprofessionals work with medically fragile students, supervise safety, and frequently cover teaching duties without substitute pay.
Leticia Hernandez joined Hilton at the podium to represent paraprofessionals and asked the board to consider a pay increase. Trustees later debated district-wide compensation and adopted a 3% raise for employees not covered by state teacher pay adjustments; administrators told the board proposed raises were intended to balance retention needs with a projected budget deficit.
Board procedure: the board reminded speakers that public-comment time is limited to three minutes and that board members do not answer questions during public comment.
