Paraprofessionals took center stage during the public comment section of the meeting, with several speakers voicing their frustrations and demands for improved working conditions and fair compensation. Rachel Ingram, representing Ward 4, highlighted the indispensable role paraprofessionals play, especially in supporting students with special needs. She stressed the importance of valuing their contributions and expressed concerns about the slow pace of negotiations between the district and the teachers’ union, urging the committee to avoid repeating past delays.

Maria Perez, a paraprofessional since 2001, made a case for specific improvements, including instructional readiness time, sick days, a living wage, and better recognition and protections. Perez emphasized the critical tasks paraprofessionals undertake daily, from managing student behaviors to leading group activities.

The need for more preparation time was a recurring theme. Alexander Leang Haley, a paraprofessional and bargaining team member, pointed out the stress caused by insufficient preparation time, advocating for 15 minutes of instructional readiness before and after school. His sentiment was echoed by Ron Leang Haley, who highlighted the challenges of supporting students with significant needs without adequate collaboration time with teachers.

Concerns over reduced hours and pay cuts were also raised. A speaker described the emotional toll of being told they would earn less due to reduced work hours, emphasizing the need for fair wages and dignified working conditions. The speaker urged the committee to reflect on the message being sent to staff and to recognize the value of paraprofessionals in attracting and retaining outstanding staff.

Brendan Bernier, a newer paraprofessional, shared his perspective on the challenges faced even without additional personal responsibilities, calling for extra provisions like additional work hours or stipended responsibilities in contract negotiations. Veronica Santana reinforced the collective call for a fair contract, urging the committee to consider the importance of compensating paraprofessionals appropriately.

In addition to addressing paraprofessional concerns, the superintendent provided updates on policy matters. The need to refer the employee and family student handbooks to the policy subcommittee for review was noted, with substantive changes related to child bonding, sick leave, and non-discrimination policies under consideration. The superintendent emphasized public engagement in the handbook process, confirming that feedback is collected through school site councils.

The committee also approved a general fund operating budget totaling $128,731,841, with no opposition or amendments. This decision followed a motion to accept budget transfer reports and authorize travel for committee members, which passed unanimously and without discussion. A request for the superintendent to report on internal communication processes with the Department of Public Works and other departments regarding school transportation and student access was also referred to a joint city council and school committee for further discussion.

The meeting concluded with motions related to policy updates, including a first reading of management goals and budget deadlines. Concerns about discrepancies in policy documentation were raised, prompting a motion to table policy DBJ for further review. An amendment to policy DGA clarified responsibilities for reviewing and approving warrants, aligning with legal requirements. The meeting ended with an invitation to the Latino Scholarship Fund dinner and a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.