Parents Advocate For Higher Pay For Ridgewood Special Ed Aides

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A day in the life of a special education aide is filled with beautiful moments and horrific moments, a Ridgewood parent of a child with special needs said at Monday's school board meeting. She painted an impression of what a a typical day in a special education classroom might look like as a jumping-off point to advocate for higher pay and benefits for special education teachers and aides.

"To attract and keep this high quality of fearlessness and love (that is displayed by these aides), we need to show them that they are appreciated," the parent said. "Words of appreciation are beautiful, but let's get real. 'Thank you's' don't pay the bills, and they don't keep quality people staying in our district."

She was joined by several other parents Monday night who advocated for higher pay for special education teachers and aides, particularly in Ridgewood's RISe program, and emphasized the need and importance of those aides in meeting the needs of their children.

"Bottom line is this is not just a budgeting issue," another parent said. "The board does not seem to understand and value the critical role that these employees play in the lives of some of the district's most challenged learners."

One of the only comments from the board directly responding to the parents' concerns came from member Sheila Brogan, who asked that the superintendent evaluate how the concerns might be addressed in next year's budget.

"I would ask that you look at some of these issues and bring them to the board with recommendations, if you feel they are warranted," Brogan said.

Just that night, the school board had also approved a hourly wage increase of approximately $1-2 for some special education aides, including those who are certified in applied behavior analysis, supported employment job coaches and braillists.

But one parent said earlier that the pay raise was "modest," and that she felt it is not enough to compensate them for their efforts.

"An under-compensated employee feels undervalued and is disincentivized to stay, especially if there are more lucrative opportunities available elsewhere," she said. "The board can no longer get away with paying these aides the bare minimum in the interest of cost savings."

In the second public comment period, another Ridgewood Public Schools parent said that she did not believe the board should wait any longer, and that the district should look into ways to meet whatever their needs are now.

"I look forward to you all, at a subsequent meeting maybe going into a little further discussion about what you are comfortable approving in light of your other (budget) constraints," another parent said near the meeting's end. She also noted that when the safety of schoolchildren is concerned, the district should figure out a way to appropriate funds to address it.