Kim Hubbard, an education technician with twenty years of experience in elementary and middle schools in Oxford County, has witnessed a recurring issue within the profession: low pay leading to colleagues leaving or having to work additional jobs to make ends meet.
Over the past year, Hubbard and other educators have been advocating for the Maine Legislature to approve LD 974, a bill aimed at raising the minimum wage for ed techs and other school support staff.
During her testimony to the education and cultural affairs committee, she expressed her perspective on the demanding responsibilities of educators. She highlighted the fact that teachers not only educate students and ensure their safety but also report suspected abuse and face physical aggression. Moreover, they are expected to fill in for absent teachers and pursue their own professional development to maintain certifications. Despite these numerous challenges, she pointed out that teachers are often paid less than Walmart shelf-stockers.
LD 974, passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 10, aims to raise the minimum wage for ed techs to 150 percent of the state’s minimum wage by the 2025-26 school year, equivalent to $21.23 per hour. According to a 2023 report from the Maine Education Association, a union that represents teachers and school staff, there are approximately 8,000 ed techs working in Maine schools.
According to the proposed legislation, other school support staff will be mandated to receive a minimum wage increase to 125 percent of the state’s minimum wage, which amounts to $17.69 per hour.
According to data compiled by MEA in March, it was found that at the start of this school year, several districts in Maine were offering minimum wages to ed techs and other support staff that did not meet the current state minimum wage of $14.15 per hour. This minimum wage went into effect on January 1st.
According to Grace Leavitt, the president of the MEA, RSU 84 in the Danforth area has taken the necessary steps to align its minimum wage with the state’s minimum. It is possible that other districts have also made similar adjustments.
The pay, however, remains relatively low.
Those in positions classified as Ed Tech I, which is the lowest tier for education technicians as determined by the state, experience the greatest discrepancy.
At the beginning of the school year, only 22 out of the 129 districts in the state had a minimum wage lower than $14.15. However, none of the districts in the state currently surpass the proposed minimum wage of $21.23.
According to the new bill, it has been observed that 130 districts do not meet the standard for Ed Tech II jobs, while 116 districts fall short of meeting the standard for Ed Tech III positions in terms of wages.
Keeping his memory alive: Family raises $77K in honor of beloved Maine educator’s lasting influence
The legacy of a remarkable Maine educator continues to thrive as his family launches a fundraising campaign to honor his lifelong impact. Through their efforts, they have successfully raised an impressive $77,000 to commemorate his memory and the lasting influence he had on his community.
The late educator, whose name remains undisclosed, had dedicated his life to shaping the minds of countless students in Maine. His commitment to education and his ability to inspire and motivate his students left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of learning from him.
In an effort to honor his memory and ensure that his impact continues, the family established a fund and launched a fundraising campaign. The goal was to raise funds that would benefit educational initiatives and scholarships in the local community, reflecting the educator’s passion for fostering learning and growth.
The campaign quickly gained traction, with support pouring in from all corners of the community. Former students, colleagues, and friends all rallied behind the cause, eager to contribute to a cause that held such personal significance for them. Donations of all sizes flooded in, each one a testament to the indelible mark the educator had left on their lives.
Reflecting on the success of the campaign, the family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received. They were deeply moved by the outpouring of generosity and the heartfelt stories shared by those whose lives had been touched by the beloved educator. It was a testament to the profound impact he had on so many, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing and preserving his memory.
With the funds raised, the family plans to establish scholarships that will enable deserving students to pursue their educational dreams. By doing so, they hope to continue the educator’s legacy of empowering and nurturing young minds, ensuring that his impact extends far beyond his time in the classroom.
The family’s fundraising campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence that exceptional educators can have on their communities. It is a testament to the profound and lasting impact that a single individual can make, and an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
As the family celebrates the success of their campaign, they remain committed to honoring the memory of their beloved educator. They are determined to ensure that his legacy lives on, and that the impact he had on his community continues to shape and inspire future generations.
Maine Education Association: Educators leaving due to low wages
According to Leavitt, based on the national wage data for 2022-23, Maine’s salaries for education support professionals ranked 40th in the nation.
LD 1064, another bill currently under consideration by the legislature, aims to increase the minimum salary for teachers from $40,000 to $50,000 per year by the 2027-28 school year. Both LD 1064 and LD 974 have been referred to the appropriations committee for further evaluation.
According to Leavitt, she has witnessed numerous educators leaving their profession because of the inadequate salaries they receive.
“They come to a point where it no longer seems worthwhile for them,” she explained to The Maine Monitor.
The MEA has linked low wages to staff shortages that schools across the state are currently experiencing.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Education, they are collaborating with various nonprofit organizations to attract more educators. The department has witnessed a significant 13.5 percent rise in applicants for ed tech certification this year.
The MEA report highlighted that not all certified educators are pursuing positions at schools due to the issue of low wages.
Due to a shortage of drivers, Kennebunk schools had to cancel certain bus routes. On a particular Friday last year, the school faced a challenge in transporting students to the career and technical education center in Sanford. As a result, only 7 out of the 25 students from RSU 21 were able to attend their classes that day.
According to Leavitt, educational support staff are indispensable for running a school effectively. He emphasized that these individuals play a crucial role in meeting the needs and ensuring the well-being of students. Leavitt also highlighted the importance of fair compensation for these staff members, stating that they should not be paid less than those working in fast-food restaurants.
The Ogunquit Playhouse has unveiled its exciting summer lineup for 2024, featuring a variety of highly anticipated shows. One of the highlights is the popular Broadway musical “Waitress,” which will be gracing the stage with its captivating story and unforgettable music. Audiences can look forward to a spectacular performance that will leave them entertained and moved.
In addition to “Waitress,” the Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to welcome back the talented Sally Struthers. Known for her iconic roles in television shows like “All in the Family,” Struthers has also made a name for herself in the theater world. Her return to the Ogunquit Playhouse is sure to be a treat for audiences who have come to admire her incredible talent.
The Ogunquit Playhouse has always been committed to providing unforgettable experiences for theater enthusiasts. With its stellar lineup for the summer of 2024, it continues to live up to its reputation as a premier destination for top-notch performances. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, plays, or both, the Ogunquit Playhouse is the place to be this summer. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable season of exceptional theater.
Not everyone is in favor of pay increases for educators
The Maine School Boards Association and Maine School Superintendents Association are in opposition to both bills, expressing concerns about the strain that increases would place on budgets.
“Our members firmly believe that Augusta should not have the authority to determine the rate of increase for salaries and wages in schools,” expressed Steven Bailey, executive director of the Maine School Management Association, which represents the MSBA and MSSA. “They firmly believe that such decisions should be made at the local level.”
During his testimony, he mentioned that if the salary increases are shouldered by taxpayers, it could potentially lead to school budgets not being approved.
According to him, it is crucial to assess the financial implications of these bills in both the short and long term. He emphasizes the need to comprehend how they will affect the budgets of schools within our communities before committing to any plan.
According to Leavitt, the MEA is urging the state to allocate extra funds in order to facilitate wage hikes during the initial years.
“We can’t find any other solution. The state’s assistance is crucial,” she expressed.
Janet Kuech, an ed tech in Standish, expressed to legislators the daily challenges faced by her and other education support professionals in keeping schools operational.
Kuech emphasized the importance of recognizing the multiple roles and significant responsibilities that we bear as we engage with young individuals. She emphasized that we should be fairly compensated for our efforts.
