Paraprofessionals, security and drivers press board over outsourcing and low wages; union calls for immediate raises

Union leaders, paraprofessionals, security staff and parents used the board’s public comment period to urge the Joliet Township High School District 204 board to reverse or halt outsourcing decisions and to raise wages for paraprofessionals and security employees.

Sarah McMoran, identified in the meeting as president of the district’s professional unit, said employees have been “rallying” and that the staff she represents want “a living wage.” McMoran and other speakers said recent decisions to outsource transportation work to private contractors were made with insufficient notice and limited bargaining, and they warned those moves would transfer work away from career district drivers and aides. One speaker said outsourcing would risk service quality and worsen, rather than alleviate, driver shortages because drivers build daily relationships with students and help set a positive tone for the school day.

Multiple paraprofessionals described very low pay and a pattern of minimal raises over many years; one paraprofessional asked the board to consider that paraprofessionals routinely work multiple jobs to make ends meet and contrasted district starting wages with wages their students will earn after graduation. A security-staff speaker detailed the safety duties performed — securing exterior doors, breaking up altercations and spotting students in mental‑health crisis — and argued those tasks require higher pay to recruit and retain competent staff. That speaker proposed a contract pattern: an immediate $5 hourly raise, an additional $3 after year one and $2 after year two; the proposal was presented as an example of a path to competitive wages.

Teachers and parents also spoke in support of higher wages. A special-education teacher said classrooms “could not function without our paraprofessionals,” noting many paraprofessionals work overtime at after‑school events and support students with the greatest needs. A parent of a senior who participates in a specialized program said paraprofessionals regularly communicate about her son’s day and help keep him safe, and she said she supports increasing security pay as well.

Board members did not take action during the public comment period; several members offered closing praise for staff and administrators earlier in the meeting. The speakers asked the board to prioritize immediate contract changes and to publicly justify outsourcing decisions and any projected savings.

Provenance: public comments began with transportation union speakers and concluded with parents and teachers urging wage increases and safety supports.