Tacoma schools: Paraeducators get third-class treatment

Re: “Tacoma paraeducators don’t deserve cuts,” (TNT editorial, 7/1).

It’s interesting to me in these times when we talk about equanimity, equality and fairness how the Tacoma School District continuously denigrates paraeducators and other classified staff members.

Certificated staff are treated as essential while classified staff are essentially disposable.

The district superintendent’s position warrants a $9,000 annual increase at a time when jobs have been eliminated and hours reduced to the point many paraeducators will no longer be able to afford to work for the district?

It’s unfair. I’m sure the superintendent works hard, but so do we. When was the last time she was bitten and had to get hepatitis shots?

Taxpayers are outraged. The ruthless cuts and unfair treatment will negatively affect the most vulnerable students and staff members.

Paraeducators and our students are like third-class passengers on the Titanic. No one wants to see or hear us because we don’t matter. We can’t afford rent and most of us use the food bank regularly.

I’m sincerely disgusted with the school board.

This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 8:58 AM with the headline "Tacoma schools: Paraeducators get third-class treatment."