Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staffing Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Paraprofessionals tell Ann Arbor board pay steps left many with little or no raise; district clarifies averages
Summary
A paraprofessional representative urged the Ann Arbor Public Schools board to address low pay, step-schedule gaps and staffing shortages, saying many paraprofessionals saw minimal increases. Superintendent Parks acknowledged communication problems and said paraprofessionals averaged about a 2.5% step increase while some groups saw larger jumps.
Claire Arthurs, speaking for a paraprofessional unit representing dozens of teaching assistants and related staff, told the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education that many members remain underpaid and that recent step increases did not benefit all members equally. "We remain woefully understaffed," Arthurs said, citing injuries, student assaults on staff and persistent vacancies.
Arthurs laid out her calculations of the district step schedule and said that while district communications stated eligible staff received increases of "4 to 7%," that characterization masked wide variation across pay groups. She said 287 paraprofessional positions were full time in the dataset she used, that roughly 147 received increases, 116 did not, and 60 were unknown, and that many in the lowest pay group still earn under $25,000 a year. "If the percentage between our steps was 7%, I would currently make $5,000 more," she said, urging the board to "see us" and press the district to prioritize retention.
Arthurs also said past MOAs (memoranda of agreement) that boosted pay had expired, which she said worsened recruitment and led many TAs to leave the district. She raised contractual concerns about the district using substitutes past 90 days to fill TA roles and described instances where administrators had questioned employees' use of sick leave.
Superintendent Jazz Parks responded that the 4–6% figure cited in some communications referred specifically to teachers and that the district would clarify messages going forward. On paraprofessionals, Parks said the district's calculations show an average step increase “about 2 and a half ish percent,” while acknowledging some individuals and groups saw higher increases. Parks also reiterated that MOAs must be negotiated and are not automatically renewed. "Because accuracy ... is incredibly important and is also a priority for me and the district team," Parks said, promising clearer public messaging.
Board members pressed on cost, vacancies and special-education impacts. Arthurs said paraprofessionals are listed as open at roughly 15 of 21 elementary schools and described classroom scenarios in which one TA covers multiple students with IEPs, undermining individualized supports. She urged the board to press the district to address pay, staffing and working conditions to protect vulnerable students.
The board took no immediate additional action at the meeting on compensation changes; trustees asked staff for clarity and proceeded with other agenda items.
