SPOKANE, Wash. – Paraeducators rallied in front of Mead High School Thursday to demand higher wages. Many say they struggle to make ends meet with their current pay.
“Our wages don’t even pay the bills because as you can see paycheck is less than rent”.
Suzie Killian, a paraeducator in the Mead School District, shared how rising costs are impacting daily life while wages remain stagnant. Killian emphasized that some are forced to take on additional jobs to support themselves: “Well I will say that there are people that are still working here and they’re working the fast-food jobs, so they’re working double jobs just to make the ends meet,” she said.
The Mead Public Service Employees Union has expressed concerns over low wages for paraeducators, food service workers, and special education staff.
Killian worries that low wages could deter individuals from taking on roles crucial for student support. “And so being so underpaid sometimes people are like it’s not worth it and then that sometimes jeopardizes our children you know they are not being supported like they need to be,” she said.
The district acknowledged the importance of paraeducators in a statement, recognizing their vital contribution. “We acknowledge and value the vital role paraeducators play in helping us meet the needs of all of our students,” the statement said. The district also confirmed that discussions on wages are ongoing, and they are dedicated to reaching a resolution.
The group plans to hold another rally on Monday, October 21, at Union Stadium, an hour before the school board meeting.
