Paraprofessionals urge retention of 12-month pay; board approves 5% wage increase for educational support staff

Multiple paraprofessionals and support staff addressed the Richland County CUSD 1 board during public comment, describing financial strain and urging retention of the district’s 12-month pay distribution option for employees who rely on steady year-round pay.

Tina Anderson, who supervises the in-school-suspension room, said paraprofessionals are core educational staff and warned the board that changing the pay schedule “will force me and others to look for additional work or even leave the district entirely.” Heather Baker, a secretary, said she was moved to a 9-month pay schedule without notice and recounted going nearly four weeks without income over a winter break.

Megan Bell, a paraprofessional, told the board paras are being asked to fill multiple staffing gaps and that many are among the lowest-paid employees in the district, saying: “We are showing up every day doing more than what is asked of us because we care. But caring should not be the reason we are expected to carry more than we are compensated.” Natasha Brasher, who said she has worked in the district more than 10 years, explained that 12-month pay “simply divides the same annual earnings into smaller paychecks” and that losing summer pay would be “devastating” given her 2025 annual income of $23,500.

During superintendent’s reports the board stated it is not making immediate changes to hourly versus annualized pay, saying it will “continue doing exactly what we are doing today for the foreseeable future.” Later in the meeting, the board approved several personnel items, including rehire lists for administrative, licensed and support staff, and by roll-call vote approved a 5% wage increase for all educational support staff members. The motion for the wage increase was made by Mr. Dennis Anderson and seconded by Mrs. Lockley; board minutes record the vote as unanimous.