U-46 Paraeducators Secure 12% Wage Increase in New Contract
The District U-46 School Board has approved a four-year contract that grants paraeducators a 12% hourly wage increase in the first year. The agreement, finalized between the board and the Educational Assistants union, outlines significant pay raises for paraeducators over the course of the contract, which spans from the 2025-26 school year to the 2028-29 school year.
Under the new contract, paraeducators will see their hourly wage rise by $2.25 in both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. In the following years, the increase will be $1.25 in 2027-28 and $1 in 2028-29. By the end of the contract, wages will range from $24.73 to $34.08 per hour, depending on experience and job classification. This is a notable increase from the initial wage range of $20.23 to $29.58 in the first year.
U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson described the agreement as a collaborative effort that acknowledges the vital contribution of paraeducators to student education. The union’s membership ratified the contract with overwhelming support on September 10, 2023, followed by the school board’s approval on September 24, 2023.
Union President Tina Pizzitola emphasized the importance of the new contract in affirming the professionalism of paraeducators. She highlighted that the agreement includes expanded onboarding, mentoring, and professional development opportunities, aimed at enhancing job satisfaction and retention. “We were seeking an agreement that allowed our members to feel confident in their profession as well as begin a path to appropriate compensation,” Pizzitola stated.
The contract introduces a new classification system that reduces the previous three categories down to two: A and B. Paraeducators transitioning from the former Category C will receive a one-time stipend of $1,250. Additional stipends of up to $2,500 are available, contingent on the individual’s position within the step pay schedule.
A significant addition to the contract is the establishment of a mentor program, which district officials and the union aim to develop during the current school year. This program, set to launch in 2026-27, is designed to attract and retain employees, with participation being optional for new hires. Furthermore, the agreement updates the work calendar to provide more opportunities for professional learning.
Paraeducators play a crucial role within the district, working across various settings, including general education, special education, early childhood classrooms, dual language classrooms, and libraries. The union also represents professionals such as sign language interpreters and home school liaisons.
During a recent school board meeting, union member Jose Perez praised the collaborative process that led to the new agreement. He expressed gratitude for the joint efforts of the union and district, highlighting their shared commitment to enhancing the educational environment for both students and staff.
This new contract marks a significant step forward for paraeducators in District U-46, ensuring that they receive competitive compensation while also fostering their professional development in the coming years.
