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Educational support professionals tell board low pay and staffing shortages hurt schools
Summary
Multiple ESPs and union representatives told the Allegany County board that starting rates (cited as $17.53 full-time, $15.93 part-time) force staff to work multiple jobs, cause staffing shortages and increase safety risks; union leaders urged a living wage and partnership with the board.
A string of public speakers at the Allegany County Board of Education meeting on Nov. 11 urged the board to address what they described as chronic underpayment, staffing shortages and safety risks among educational support professionals (ESPs).
Shawnee Poach, speaking for instructional assistants (IAs) and ESPs, said starting pay "is $17.53 an hour for full time and $15.93 for part time employees," and that many ESPs must take second or third jobs. Poach said the pay–responsibility discrepancy "has resulted in critical staffing shortages and increased strain on the ESPs who remain," including greater potential risk and injury to students and staff.
Peggy King, an IA with more than 20 years in the district, described holding multiple jobs and recent housing instability, saying: "It is so hard when we do that... it's hard to make a living at what we do." Kresta Kowalski, MSEA Uniserv director for Allegany and Garrett counties, cited a county living wage calculation of $27.22 an hour and said, "Based on the current contract, none of our classroom instructional assistants that spoke to you today make a living wage, not 1."
Angela Kearns recounted on-the-job injuries (bites, scratches, punches) and said rising insurance premiums can erode net pay; she also asked the board to consider unpaid extra time caused by bus delays.
Board members thanked speakers and said they appreciated hearing from staff; Mr. Green said the board "appreciate[s] hearing directly from you, and it's very important that we continue this dialogue." The board did not adopt immediate pay changes at the meeting, but several members acknowledged the concerns and noted the matter may require further discussion with staff and bargaining representatives.
