Rochester Schools superintendent pleased with new paras' contract

ROCHESTER - The Rochester School District recently reached a new contract with the district's paraprofessionals that will see them receive a 22 percent pay increase over the next three years.

The Rochester City Council unanimously approved the new contract earlier this month.

The paraprofessionals' previous contract expired on June 30 and will be replaced by this three-year contract that includes a 16% pay increase in the 2023-2024 school year, followed by a 3% increase in each of the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

The contract also increases the number of bereavement days paraprofessionals get in the event of the death of a spouse, domestic partner, or child from five days to 10 days, and stipulates that paraprofessionals who are asked to serve as substitute teachers will be paid their regular rate plus $10 per hour.

The new contract also provides for all paraprofessionals in the district to receive Chromebook computers in the 2024-2025 school year, which will enable them to work remotely on days when classes are remote. Previously paraprofessionals had to make up work hours that were missed during remote days.

"I am extremely grateful that the Rochester City Council unanimously approved this new contract. Our paraprofessionals provide an invaluable service to our students, and I am pleased we were able to reach an agreement that both respects the vital work that they do, and recognizes the financial constraints of the district and City of Rochester," said Superintendent Kyle Repucci. "Our paraprofessionals are incredibly important members of our school community, and I believe this contract is respectful, fiscally responsible, and in the best interest of our students and the district."