By Jennifer Parris

Horns were honking early Thursday morning in New Fairfield — and it wasn’t because of the typical early morning traffic on Gillotti Road. Paraprofessionals from New Fairfield Elementary School (NFES), New Fairfield Middle School (NFMS), and New Fairfield High School (NFHS) took to the streets to protest the low wages they are earning — wages that have not been raised by the district in over two years.

“It’s no surprise that paraprofessionals can no longer remain silent,” says Cynthia Ross-Zweig, CSEA SEIU Local 2001 Para President.

 The demonstrations, held on June 12, come on the heels of several negotiation sessions between the CSEA SEIU Local 2001 Chapter 41 and the New Fairfield Board of Education. Both sides were unable to reach an agreement regarding fair wages for paraprofessionals employed in the district, according to Ross-Zweig. “Despite two consecutive years of tax increases, including increased allocations for education, the Board of Education has refused to offer a competitive and livable wage that reflects both the importance of this work and the district’s ability to pay,” she says. “Financial records show the district has sufficient resources to raise wages.”

 Paraprofessionals are a pivotal part of the educational experience. They are responsible for supporting students with a range of learning, emotional, and behavioral needs — but that’s not all. “We also assist with instruction for the entire class, since some kids might be shy in asking for help,” says a middle school paraprofessional in her first year on the job.

 “We deeply value our paraeducators and the important work they do for our students,” says Dr. Kenneth Craw, Superintendent of Schools in New Fairfield. “They work closely with our faculty to provide essential support to students with diverse needs.”

But if you thought that paraprofessionals are only working in these roles because it’s an “easy” job or because it works well with their children’s school schedules, think again. “Contrary to misconceptions, these positions are not held by individuals looking to supplement household income; for many, this is their primary source of income,” explains Ross-Zweig. “Paraprofessionals support some of the district’s most vulnerable students — providing not only educational assistance but also physical therapy, occupational therapy, and daily support to help students thrive both academically and emotionally.”

 Despite their deep dedication to the students, many paraprofessionals feel that their wages don’t reflect the importance of the work they do. “It feels like the administration doesn’t care about us, even though we care deeply for the kids,” explains another paraprofessional.

 “The district’s wage proposal fell far below what is offered in surrounding communities and would leave New Fairfield’s paraprofessionals earning wages still below the poverty level,” Ross-Zweig. “Paraprofessionals in New Fairfield are not part-time supplemental earners; they are full-time workers, many of whom are residents, taxpayers, and neighbors within this community.” She cited the fact that paras who work in the local school district do so to give back and serve students — but the low wages make it almost impossible to achieve financial stability and security.

In a puzzling financial decision, the district chose to hire outside agencies to fill paraprofessional vacancies at rates of $55–$65 per hour — over three times what it pays its own paraprofessionals — instead of raising wages to retain staff. This move results in agency workers earning up to $81,900 annually, compared to just $20,903 for district employees, costing nearly $500,000 more for only six agency hires. The union uncovered this disparity through Mandatory Subjects of Bargaining rights, raising serious concerns about the district’s spending priorities.

 “This money could be used instead to support fair wages for dedicated, long-term employees,” says Ross-Zweig. Adding insult to injury is the fact that paraprofessionals do not receive pay for holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and Thanksgiving — creating additional financial strain, “forcing many to struggle to cover basic living expenses such as utilities, medicine, and groceries,” adds Ross-Zweig.

Maggie, a seasoned para with over two decades of experience took a $10/hour pay cut to work in town, says: “We need to be paid for the honorable work we do.”She went on, “Although it’s a physically and emotionally demanding job, we love our students and want them to succeed.”

 As if the wage disparity and staffing shortages weren’t enough, there’s also a question as to the quality of the new hires. “Not hiring enough paras causes many of us to work in violation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs),” the NFES para adds.

 With a financially uncertain future, some paras are being forced to consider leaving the New Fairfield district (and the students they love) to work elsewhere. “Without competitive para salaries and sub pay, people who would prefer to work here as a para will go to the Danbury school district and make more money,” explains ampther beloved NFES para. As a result, the district could face an exodus of talent. “What’s going to happen in September when there isn’t enough para support.”

 In response, Superintendent Craw stated: “The district is actively engaged in the collective bargaining process with the paraeducator association and looks forward to continuing discussions.”

 Ross-Zweig echoes that sentiment: “The members of CSEA SEIU Local 2001 Chapter 41 call on the New Fairfield community to stand with them in demanding that the Board of Education provide fair, livable wages for these essential educators — wages that reflect the vital role paraprofessionals play in the success of New Fairfield’s students and schools.”