While the Lawrence Public Schools (LPS) have received $84 million in federal school relief and an $18 million increase in Chapter 70 state school aid this year (with additional substantial annual increases on the way over the next five years), Lawrence paraprofessionals and support staff are not paid a livable wage.
They earn far below what paras and support staff make in nearby communities, contributing to the district’s staffing crisis as experienced staff leave for neighboring districts or non-school jobs that pay better. Students and families are being harmed by the acute shortages and rapid turnover.
Because LPS is under state receivership, State Education Commissioner Jeff Riley holds ultimate accountability over LPS’ negotiations regarding paraprofessional and support staff wages and working conditions. But at the last paraprofessional negotiating session, Riley’s team refused to bargain further and walked away from the table.
“Lawrence can clearly afford to pay paras and support staff a living wage. And a living wage isn’t just the right thing to do for the people who care for and educate Lawrence students, it’s needed to tackle the staffing instability that is hurting students, especially those with disabilities,” said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. “Commissioner Riley: We’re asking you to negotiate in good faith, so we can reach an agreement that’s good for paras, school staff, students, families, and all of Lawrence.”