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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Priscilla Castro, UFT Chapter Chair for Paraprofessionals from United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
4:38:43
·
110 sec
Priscilla Castro, representing 26,000 paraprofessionals in NYC public schools, urged the council to pass Intro 1261, the "power respect check" legislation. This would provide paraprofessionals with an annual payment of $10,000 or more, addressing their low starting salaries and the limitations of pattern bargaining.
- Castro emphasized the crucial role of paraprofessionals in supporting students, especially those with special needs.
- She highlighted the current shortage of over 4,000 paraprofessionals and the struggle to retain staff due to low wages.
- The proposed legislation is designed to fall outside of pattern bargaining and would be funded from general funds, not affecting pensions.
Priscilla Castro
4:38:43
Good afternoon.
4:38:44
My name is Priscilla Castro and I am the UFT chapter chair for 26,000 paraprofessionals who work in New York City public schools.
4:38:52
We are asking you to call a hearing and vote for passage of Intro twelve sixty one, the power respect check legislation.
4:39:00
This legislation would give every UFT representative paraprofessionals a permanent recurring annual payment of 10,000 or more.
4:39:09
Paraprofessionals are the backbone of our public schools.
4:39:13
They work in lockstep with teachers to provide our children with the support and education they are entitled to, especially our special needs students.
4:39:23
The city reliance on pattern bargaining does not work for paraprofessionals.
4:39:28
Paraprofessionals start at under 32,000 a year, so a 3% raise for a paraprofessional equals $900 yet the highest paid position in a school building, a principal, a 3% increase equals a 6,500 raise.
4:39:47
This legislation was carefully crafted to fall outside of patent bargaining.
4:39:53
Funding would come from general funds.
4:39:56
It would not be pensionable.
4:39:58
It would be the first step in creating a legal alternative to patent bargaining.
4:40:04
We will face a shortage this fall of over 4,000 paraprofessional despite aggressive hiring efforts.
4:40:13
People cannot stay in a position no matter how much they love it.
4:40:18
If they struggle to care for their own family and children for the sake of our students and our paraprofessionals and our public schools, I urge you to hold a hearing and vote to pass the power of respect legislation.
4:40:32
Thank you.