Dozens of districts in Maine have started the school year with wages below the current state minimum of $14.15 per hour, causing concern among education technicians and support staff. Kim Hubbard, an education technician in Oxford County, has witnessed colleagues leaving the profession due to low pay, while others work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
In response to this issue, educators have been advocating for the passage of L.D. 974, a bill that would increase the minimum wage for ed techs and other school support staff. The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives, aims to raise the minimum wage for ed techs to $21.23 per hour by the 2025-26 school year.
According to a report from the Maine Education Association, there are about 8,000 ed techs in Maine schools, and many districts are currently offering wages below the state minimum. The bill also includes provisions to increase the minimum wage for other school support staff to $17.69 per hour.
Despite the push for higher wages, some organizations like the Maine School Boards Association and Maine School Superintendents Association oppose the bills, citing budget constraints. However, the Maine Education Association is urging the state to provide additional funding to support wage increases for the first few years.
The issue of low wages for education support professionals not only affects the staff but also leads to staff shortages in schools, impacting students’ education. The MEA emphasizes the importance of fair wages for these essential workers who play a crucial role in the functioning of schools.