I work as a paraprofessional in Tolland public schools, where I have served the children of our community for over 12 years. During that time our responsibilities have changed greatly and we are now responsible for instructing and educating children.

Despite this, paraprofessionals with more than 10 years experience are compensated less than a starting secretary and custodian.

Even being one of the lowest-paid employees in our school system, I love my job and the students that I work with. I find it rewarding working as a paraprofessional, either one-on-one or in a group, when you see the self-confidence and self-esteem in a student soar because he can be successful in what he is trying to do. You can’t put into words what that feeling is.

Since we began contract talks over a year ago, the Board of Education has failed to reach a fair, mutual agreement with the nearly 100 paraprofessionals in Tolland public schools. Unless they act now, lawyers will settle the dispute in arbitration.

Like all school districts Tolland faces some tough decisions. But spending tax dollars on lawyers is the wrong choice for our students and our paraprofessionals that serve them. I want to prevent local taxpayers, like me, from footing the bill for unnecessary and costly legal hearings. We are not asking for higher taxes.

We hope the board understands our increased responsibilities in education and will consider giving us our fair share of the existing pie, which would go a long way to get us closer to a minimum living wage. Our school officials have the opportunity to do the right thing and end this dispute by reaching an agreement on a contract that is fair and helps us preserve a quality public education.

Mary M. Dunay
Tolland