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Paraeducators and family‑resource advocates urge Edmonds board to restore positions and raise pay
Summary
Paraeducators, family resource advocates and parents told the board the district relies on paraeducators and family resource advocates for attendance, special‑needs support and community trust; speakers described training requirements and low pay and urged restoration of full‑time FRAs and a living wage.
Multiple paraeducators, classroom teachers and community partners used the expanded public comment period to urge the Edmonds School District Board of Directors to restore family resource advocate (FRA) positions and to pursue higher, living wages for paraeducators.
At the podium, paraeducators described the complexity of their work and low compensation. "Paraeducators aren't merely teaching assistants. They are our equals and our partners in educating cohorts of children with high needs and diverse needs," said Jackie Milner, president of the Paraeducators Chapter. Donna Morin, a paraeducator at Aldwood Early Childhood Center, outlined certification and ongoing training paraeducators complete and said many supplement pay with other jobs.
Quantifying the issue: Melissa Deutz, a paraeducator, said about 600 paraeducators work in the district and provided a wage example: a year‑1 level‑1 para earning $28.75 an hour across 194 paid days translates to roughly $33,465 gross annually — about $2,090 per month after typical deductions — which she said is far below local living‑wage estimates.
Family resource advocates: Speakers from Cedar Valley Community School including Lauren Johnson and community partner Jessica Villa urged the board to restore a full‑time family resource advocate at Cedar Valley, describing the role as a bridge for families experiencing housing instability, food insecurity and language barriers. Jessica Villa said reducing Angela Garrido’s time would "not align with the school's needs" and asked the board to restore the position.
Budget context and board response: During the budget discussion, staff explained some reductions reflected grant funding decisions made by external grantors rather than board budget choices; the district said it will continue pursuing grants and could restore positions if additional funds become available. Board members thanked speakers and acknowledged the complexity of balancing grant availability and core budget authority. Director Gerard said the board would continue advocacy at the state level because some costs reflect unfunded state obligations.
What happens next: The budget is at first reading; the district said it will return the final budget for approval in July, and speakers asked for clearer commitments on whether line‑item increases for special education and para supports would translate into wage improvements or restored FRA positions.
