Paraprofessionals press board on lost weather pay as non‑certified staff receive 2% raise
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Summary
Paraprofessionals urged Richmond Community Schools to compensate a week of lost pay from weather closures; the board approved a 2% salary increase for non‑certified staff retroactive to the start of the school year and directed staff to explore policy options to address uncompensated closures.
Paraprofessionals told the Richmond Community Schools board they suffered significant financial hardship after recent weather-related school closures left many without a full paycheck. Tammy Summit, speaking for district paraprofessionals, asked the board to consider compensation for employees who missed a full week of pay and argued paraprofessionals could have been assigned meaningful remote or preparatory work if paid.
Board action and context: The board voted unanimously (6–0) to approve a 2% salary increase for non‑certified staff, retroactive to the beginning of the school year. Trustees described the increase as recognition of non‑certified employees' contributions (custodial, secretarial, paraprofessional and other roles). The memorandum discussed on the floor noted that administrators and substitute teachers are excluded from this increase.
Legal and policy response: Trustees and legal counsel discussed precedent and legal constraints on retroactive pay for closures. The superintendent and counsel said they are researching legal guidance and recommended adopting a policy to address "calamity" or closure days for future events; counsel said such a policy could provide limited retroactive relief where legally defensible and recommended bringing a recommendation to the board by the next meeting.
Why it matters: Tammy Summit said the lost week of pay can threaten housing, utilities and food security for paraprofessionals who are among the district's lowest-paid staff. Board members asked administration to identify other employees similarly affected and consider options, including targeted retroactivity, opportunities for make‑up work and formal policy language to handle future closures.
Next steps: Administration and counsel will draft options for a board policy on closure compensation and return recommendations at the next meeting; staff will also attempt to quantify the number of staff affected so the board can evaluate costs and legality before any retroactive payments are authorized.