Ben La Pine Support Staff Advocate Calls Attention to Inadequate Pay During Budget Hearing

During the Bend-LaPine School Board Work Session on May 27, 2025, a poignant discussion emerged regarding the compensation of support staff within the district. A campus monitor, who spoke passionately about their experience, highlighted the struggles faced by support staff, emphasizing that many are underpaid for their critical roles in schools. With an annual salary of approximately $24,500, the speaker wore a shirt that read, "I don't get paid enough for this," during a recent awards ceremony to draw attention to the issue of inadequate pay.

The speaker described support staff as "the glue of every building in the district," underscoring their importance in maintaining a supportive educational environment. They expressed concern over the potential burnout of dedicated employees due to low wages and called for a serious conversation about pay equity. The speaker also criticized the district's decision to censor their message by blacking out the shirt in a group photo shared on the district's website and social media, labeling it an act of censorship.

The meeting also included a budget hearing, with final decisions on the 2025-2026 budget set for June 17, 2025. Kenzie Martin, the executive director of policy, advocacy, and equity, led the work session, introducing various stakeholders involved in the district's equity initiatives. This gathering reflects ongoing efforts to address not only financial concerns but also broader issues of equity and support within the Bend-LaPine School District.

As the community awaits the upcoming budget decisions, the discussions from this meeting highlight the urgent need for addressing compensation and support for essential staff, which directly impacts the quality of education and the well-being of students and families in the district.