Classified Staff Pay Increases

Every adult who shows up for our students deserves respect, starting with fair pay.

From bus drivers and cafeteria workers to instructional assistants and custodians, classified staff are the backbone of our schools. Without them, our schools couldn't function. They build trust with students, create safe spaces, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

One of Ebony’s favorite memories is sharing lunch with Mrs. Johnson at the YMCA,  the custodian, and her trusted lunch buddy.  Mrs. Johnson was a beloved presence in the afterschool and childcare programs. They even share the same birthday! Without Mrs. Johnson, those programs wouldn’t operate nearly as effectively. That’s the kind of dedication we see daily from our classified staff. 

Yet far too often, these essential workers are underpaid, overlooked, and expected to do more with less. They nurture our children, even as they struggle to care for their own families.

It’s time to ensure that their pay reflects their value. Respect starts with compensation, and our commitment to fairness must include the people who make our schools whole.

Ebony believes we should:

• Advocate for increased wages and improved working conditions for classified staff

• Ensure school budgets reflect the essential value of support staff roles

• Support professional development and advancement opportunities

• Push for staffing levels that promote safety, stability, and student success