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ESP union president tells Hazleton Area SD board support staff need a living wage
Summary
Joyce Gumbida, local ESP union president, told the Hazleton Area SD board that many support staff earn around $24,234 a year, urging the board to negotiate to prevent turnover and staffing shortages; several board members expressed support but no formal wage change was made.
Joyce Gumbida, who identified herself as the local educational support professionals (ESP) union president, used the public-comment period at a December 2025 Hazleton Area School District board meeting to urge the board to negotiate a living wage for cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, secretaries and bilingual liaisons.
Gumbida described the scope of ESP responsibilities and the financial strain many face. "The average salary for an ESP in this district is approximately $24,234…
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