Paraprofessionals present contract proposals, urge living wage and better leave
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Summary
At the March 23 Holyoke School Committee meeting, representatives of the Holyoke Paraprofessional Association and multiple paraeducators urged the committee to adopt a tiered compensation system, restore longevity, expand sick and family leave, and ensure pay parity for paras performing teacher duties ahead of April 6 bargaining.
Members of the Holyoke Paraprofessional Association delivered an "almost complete" set of contract proposals to the School Committee on March 23, asking the committee to review the packet before the next negotiation session on April 6. "We work throughout the weekend to finish these proposals," Elizabeth Montana said, asking the district to "bring your own proposals and responses" to the bargaining table.
Several paraeducators described their daily responsibilities and the financial pressures that accompany them. Shelley Reed said she provides physical and emotional support to two high‑needs students and that the pay does not reflect the scope of the work: "This is the profession I chose knowing that I could make more money as a classroom teacher… It's a shame that I cannot be fully compensated for all that I bring to HPS." Ron Lang Haley, who identified himself as a para at Peck Middle, described living with chronic pain and asked for changes to sick‑time accrual so staff can manage medical care without jeopardizing their health.
Speakers across the public‑comment period urged a tier and step compensation structure, reinstatement of longevity, expanded sick time and an eight‑week paid family leave proposal. The packet also seeks parity for paraprofessionals acting in teacher roles and for district health‑and‑safety and assault‑leave policies that mirror teacher protections. Daniel Quiñones, a para at Donahue Elementary, said low wages drive turnover: "Many of our colleagues are forced to leave for higher paying districts or entirely different professions," and that turnover disrupts student support.
The association said it surveyed its membership before drafting proposals and expects to finish remaining items, particularly compensation for paras acting as teachers, before sending them to the committee. Committee members did not take action on the proposals during the meeting; administration and the committee moved to executive session later in the agenda for collective bargaining matters.
The committee's next bargaining window for the district and the paraprofessionals is scheduled for April 6; both sides have signaled an interest in reaching an agreement before current contracts expire at the end of the school year.
