Ringgold paraprofessionals want better wages

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
The paraprofessionals of Ringgold School District are asking for a better compensation package and the administration said it must wait until the 2019-20 budget is planned.
Bonnie McKinley and Marlene Weiss, both paraprofessionals, addressed the school board Wednesday night asking for better wages and benefits, and a job description, which they currently lack.
Paraprofessionals work with students in learning support, lifeskills students and others.
“It could be changing diapers, feeding someone, or anything the teachers tell us to do,” said Weiss.
At Ringgold, a paraprofessional earns $8.50 an hour in the first year. In their 10th year, they make $11 an hour. It takes a paraprofessional 19 years to reach the highest pay rate at Ringgold — $13.
McKinley said the highest paraprofessional salary at Ringgold is $3,000 less than the lowest paid paraprofessionals in the state. She said the highest pay is less than most districts offer to first-year paraprofessionals.
“Who among you tonight would be willing to do your job for 25 percent or less of your current pay?” McKinley asked the board.

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