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Paraprofessional urges Wichita Falls ISD board to study pay recognition for college degrees
Summary
Joel Rodriguez, a district behavior/telecare professional, asked the Wichita Falls ISD board to study whether paraprofessionals who earn bachelor’s degrees should receive pay recognition, citing retention and improved student support; he delivered a petition with 264 signatures and asked the board to research models used elsewhere.
Joel Rodriguez told the Wichita Falls ISD board that paraprofessionals who earn college degrees strengthen classroom support and should be financially recognized.
"Paraprofessionals are not helpers on the sidelines. We are instructional partners," Rodriguez said during the public-comment period, noting he earned a bachelor’s degree and works in behavior and telecare within the district. He asked trustees to "revisit and study the district's policy regarding paraprofessionals who hold a college degree," and left trustees an attached petition of 264 signatures asking for reevaluation.
Rodriguez said paraprofessionals frequently lead behavior support, implement IEP accommodations and provide one-on-one academic intervention, yet in Wichita Falls ISD they receive no pay increase for a bachelor’s degree "even though that degree directly strengthens the work we do with students, especially in special education, behavior support, and instructional settings." He emphasized that he was not asking for an immediate decision but for the board to research other districts' models and the potential impact on retention and student outcomes.
Board members thanked Rodriguez for bringing the petition and for his service. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the item was recorded as public comment and referred to staff for follow-up and research.
