The Amherst-Pelham School Districts' paraeducators support our most vulnerable students. Yet they are some of the lowest paid workers in the area. Many paraeducators do not earn enough to live in our district, and must receive state and federal subsidies to make ends meet. Some support staff need to work multiple jobs, working 50-60 hours a week in order to survive.

Between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022 the Massachusetts minimum wage will increase by $1.50 per hour. Yet the Amherst-Pelham School Committee has proposed an increase that starts at only 16 cents per hour.

This means that entry level service and retail positions are becoming more and more competitive with those that bear the responsibility of caring for our children and helping them learn. We believe the School Committee can, and must, do better in order to attract and retain our skilled paraeducators.

Please join us and send a letter to the School Committee. Let them know that the ARPS community supports a living wage for all its educators.