A new bill proposed by Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-38) would require Pennsylvania public schools to pay their education support professionals (ESPs) a living wage of at least $20/hour. The bill aims to address the shortage of dedicated professionals in essential roles such as transportation, food service, custodial work, and classroom support. Many ESPs currently earn below a living wage, leading them to work multiple jobs to make ends meet or leave the public school system for higher-paying positions in the private sector.
The bill, which has not yet been officially introduced, would mandate that public schools start paying ESPs a living wage by the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education would reimburse schools for the increased costs of wages through the 2029-30 school year, with the reimbursement added to districts’ base funding allocations.
The memo accompanying the bill highlights the chronic instability in the education workforce as a major reason for the proposed legislation. By ensuring that ESPs are paid a living wage, schools hope to attract and retain qualified professionals who play a crucial role in the educational process. The bill aims to support both schools’ functioning and students’ ability to learn by ensuring that ESPs are fairly compensated for their work.
If passed, this bill could have a significant impact on public schools in Pennsylvania, providing greater financial stability for ESPs and potentially improving overall school performance.
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