Parents, paraprofessionals and teachers press Wareham School Committee for livable wages for paras

At its May 29 regular meeting, the Wareham School Committee heard more than a dozen public comments urging higher pay for paraprofessionals, which speakers said is leading to turnover and risks to students who require one‑to‑one support.

The speakers emphasized that paraprofessionals provide essential safety, communication and instructional support for students with disabilities. "What our paraprofessionals truly need and deserve is a livable wage, fair, competitive pay that reflects the essential skilled and emotionally demanding work that they do every day with our most vulnerable children," said Marilyn Morley, a paraprofessional at Wareham Elementary School, reading a parent's letter.

Nut graf: Parents, paraprofessionals and several teachers gave detailed, personal accounts at the committee's public‑comment period, saying that low pay undermines the district's ability to retain experienced classroom aides who keep students safe and make daily instruction possible. Speakers asked the committee to prioritize pay increases in upcoming negotiations and budget decisions; no formal committee action on paraprofessional pay was taken at the meeting.

Speakers gave repeated examples of the classroom and safety roles paras fill. Michelle Hohen, a substitute teacher who read a letter from a parent identified as Alicia, described a child who "went on an adventure on the school grounds" and was found only because a paraprofessional the child trusted located him. Maria Gallimo, a paraprofessional, recounted a family's experience getting an autism diagnosis and credited school staff for unlocking the child's learning.

Several speakers tied pay to retention and student outcomes. Taylor Smith, a parent and paraprofessional, said: "We're not just, you know, people that could go work at McDonald's. We're here because we wanna be here, not because we have no other choice." Haley Garrity, a paraprofessional, described financial strain and asked, "Could I live with or support a family with a salary of $25,000, give or take?"

Teachers and other staff also urged the committee to negotiate in good faith. Michelle François, a first‑grade teacher, said she started in education 30 years ago and earned roughly the same pay that many current paraprofessionals now earn, and urged the committee to find a solution in negotiations.

Several parents read letters on behalf of others, including a note from Bridal Fahey, father of a student who praised the special‑education team for helping his child gain independence. Committee chair Jeff (first name used in meeting) invited speakers to email their letters to the committee and said the committee would accept submitted materials for review.

The meeting record shows no formal motion, vote or change to paraprofessional pay at the May 29 session. Committee members acknowledged the comments and asked for additional written materials; multiple speakers urged members to visit Wareham Elementary to see the classrooms and students described.

Ending: The committee did not vote on staff pay during the meeting. Speakers said they will provide written submissions to the committee and urged continued negotiation and attention in budget planning; committee members indicated they would accept emailed letters for follow up.