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Paraprofessionals tell Greater Johnstown board low pay and unpaid holiday periods hurt households
Summary
A paraprofessional told the board wages and the district’s pay schedule left some aides with $200–$600 checks after holidays and snow days, and urged the board to address the pay timing and adequacy.
During public comment at the Greater Johnstown School District meeting, paraprofessional Sherry Sharp described hardship caused by the district’s pay schedule and low hourly wages, asking the board to review pay practices for classroom aides.
“My paycheck was $320. I cannot survive on that,” Sharp said, describing a gap in pay around Christmas and snow days. She said paraprofessionals do not receive pay during school-closure snow days and are paid on shorter pay periods after the holidays, leaving some aides with “a $200 paycheck” and the next check a roughly eight‑day $600 paycheck.
Sharp said many paraprofessionals work multiple jobs and rely on food pantries; she asked the board to consider pay adjustments so staff can meet basic living costs.
Board members did not take immediate action at the meeting. The superintendent acknowledged the concern and encouraged staff and the commenter to follow up with district administration to review pay schedules and available supports.
Ending: The board did not vote on compensation changes at this meeting; Sharp said she provided pay stubs to the district for review.
