Paraeducators and union leaders press board for higher pay and a transparent superintendent search

Paraeducator and union representatives used public comment to press the board on pay and process.

Bridget Nelson, vice president of the Paraeducator Association, said paraeducators earn approximately $19.38 an hour and that matching even the metro average would require roughly a $2.10 hourly increase; she estimated a district-wide adjustment to reach 75% of metro pay would cost about $3.3 million — "less than 0.4%" of an $840 million budget, she said. "A drop in the bucket, but a lifeline for the people who support our most vulnerable students," Nelson said.

Carly Holliday, president of CCEA, presented a letter asking for a transparent, collaborative superintendent search that includes educator voice at every stage and said the tentative bargaining agreement "is not enough" for experienced teachers and SSPs facing rising insurance costs.

Speakers urged the board to honor educator input in personnel decisions, ensure open negotiations and prioritize frontline compensation. The board did not act on pay changes at the meeting but was told the bargaining process is ongoing.