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Paraprofessionals urge Brockton committee for livable wages during public comment
Summary
Multiple paraprofessionals and supporters told the committee they need a livable wage; Stacy McDonald (VESPA) and Maria Serrano described pay disparities and turnover risks and called for fair contracts and recognition of bilingual work.
Several paraprofessionals used the public-comment period to press the committee for higher, livable pay.
Stacy McDonald (VESPA) told the committee her union was asking for a livable wage and pushed back on claims paraprofessionals had received a substantial increase. "In 2021, 2022 school year, our starting base pay was $16.90 an hour," she said, adding that a Brockton High 'community ally' position was hired at $25 an hour and called the disparity a "slap in the face" to paraprofessionals who were told they were "valued".
Maria Serrano, a paraprofessional of 12 years and a long-term substitute, said bilingual paraprofessionals serve as translators, mentors and classroom partners and that low pay forces many to work two or three jobs. "We are not assistants in the shadows. We are partners in education," Serrano said, urging community support for fair contracts.
Billy DeCosta said proposed increases of 2–3% were insufficient and asked the district to provide a livable wage. Multiple speakers appealed to the committee to negotiate stronger contracts and investigate past budget decisions.
The committee did not take action during public comment. Collective-bargaining topics were later scheduled for executive session under the agenda item that called for bargaining strategy discussion.
