WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Paraeducators Awarded Livable Wage
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Burlington, Vermont - October 31, 2007
Paraeducators in Burlington are calling it a victory.
"We do an important job," said Tamara Musgrove, a paraeducator in Burlington.
For the last three years, the 160 paraeducators in the Burlington School District have been fighting for what they call a livable wage.
Most paras are in the classroom, working side by side with teachers but most work one on one with students who need extra help.
"I would say it's equal to a teacher, in my position I do the planning room at an elementary school, so I work with kids who are having some behavior problems, so they can be challenging," said Musgrove.
Under No Child Left Behind, paraeducators are required to have at least two years of college -- Musgrove has her master's degree.
About 140 paraeducators are considered full time employees in the district, working 30 hours a week.
Starting pay was $9.43 per hour plus benefits, but the Burlington School Board voted to adopt a livable wage policy increasing starting pay by six percent to just over $10 per hour. After three years, para educators will earn over $14 an hour.
"Residents from all wards in the city have been very vocal either coming to board meetings, sending emails, sending letters in support of the population of workers that don't have a livable wage," said Jeanne Collins, Burlington's school superintendent.
The new pay increase will cost taxpayers, $100,000 this year and between $200,000 and $250,000 each of the next three years.
Taxpayers we spoke with say they are willing to pay for highly qualified paraeducators.
"I definitely think it's essential, the work they do is extremely needed in the schools," said Debbie Curtis, of Burlington.
"I guess my initial reaction is that they should be paid a livable wage, and if they weren't before, I'm glad they are now," said Karen Hunt of Burlington.
The four year deal began in July paraeducators can expect their pay raise, and retroactive pay by the end of the year.
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