The Sitka School Board has given non-certified staff in the district a pay raise.
On a unanimous vote, the board approved a 6-percent increase this year for paraprofessionals and other employees who are not teachers, and then 4-percent raises each of the next two years.
The increase comes on top of a one-percent increase that was agreed to in negotiations with the union – known as SESPA, or the Sitka Educational Support Professional Association – in 2022, and remains in place through 2025.
SESPA president Twila Keaveny explained that the deal came about after interim superintendent Steve Bradshaw negotiated similar terms with the union representing teachers – however, it would be contingent on the city’s taking over the school maintenance department.
She said the new agreement was signed when there was significant uncertainty about both the school district’s and city’s budgets and – if adopted by the school board – would effectively extend the old agreement for another two years.
“We understood that the offer of a 6-4-4 that was presented to us would be in addition to the already-ratified language for the ’24-25 salary schedule,” Keaveny said. “It would also mean that the collective bargaining agreement would carry forward through the school year 2027.”
Keaveny spoke as about 20 SESPA members in blue t-shirts stood arm-in-arm behind her. Another member, Aurora Losey (low-see), a para at Keet Gooshi Heen, came to the mic and made the argument for the raise less technical, and more personal.
“I’m a single mom,” said Losey. “I have a mortgage. It’s very difficult to stay here. I love it. My kids love it here. There are opportunities out there in the community that obviously allow us a lot more money. But I just need, I want to remind you guys, that all these people are so devoted to our children, which is our future, and I don’t believe there’s much more more important than that. And I really want you to consider the devastation that could happen if we don’t keep the people that are here, that are experienced, and we don’t have new people coming in, we’ve, we’ve, we’ve tried really hard to get new people in, and I know we’re trying to raise that rate, but please consider what we put into our kids and the love and the investment, and it’s priceless.”
The board went behind closed doors to consider the matter. When it returned, members unanimously adopted the proposed terms.
