School support staff need higher pay

No matter where we’re from, Washingtonians agree that one job should be enough for our families to survive and thrive. But for too long, Education Support Professionals, the staff who open school buildings in the morning, support Special Education students, make nutritious meals, and keep students safe and supported, have been severely underpaid, often forced to get second and third jobs or live hours away from workplaces. It’s time to come together for respectful wages for school support staff. Tell your lawmaker it’s time to raise ESP wages.

ESPs have difficult jobs, too. The work is often physically and/or emotionally difficult, and sometimes even traumatic. Low wages are causing high turnover and vacancies among school support staff and this undermines the stability and safety students need in schools. To ensure enough grown-ups in school buildings and reliable supports for the most fragile and vulnerable students, we need to pay ESPs more.

Legislative session is less than a month away so it’s critical that lawmakers hear from us now as they’re determining their priorities. WEA will be in Olympia working to advance policies that support our students and our families.  While ESP pay is negotiated at the district level, an increase in funding from the state can give ESPs the boost we need to ensure professional pay. Send an email now!

When we speak out together, we can make sure all workers are respected and paid fairly.