Allentown School District Approves New Contract With Paraprofessionals
Raymond Stivala
At a Thursday, September 12, 2024, Special Board Meeting the Allentown School District School Board of Directors approved a new contract with the Allentown Federation of Paraprofessionals, Local 1716, which represents more than 200 paraprofessionals in the District.
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The five year contract with the Federation of Paraprofessionals Local 1716, marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing workplace conditions and recognizing the critical role they play in our educational community. This new contract includes a substantial increase in pay rates, reflecting our deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our paraprofessionals and makes ASD professionals one of the highest-paid Paraprofessionals groups in the Lehigh Valley Area.
During negotiations, both parties worked together to reimagine the delivery of paraprofessional services in the District. New language in the contract also provided significant financial increases and new efficiencies to the District to address a longstanding problem in recruiting and attracting top paraprofessionals to Allentown.
Under the new agreement, the District will also have new flexibility to hire part-time paraprofessionals at rates that can effectively compete with outside vendors who are currently providing the District with substitute services. The introduction of numerous part-time positions and addressing the need for benefits for full-time employees was a paramount concern for the District.
“Our paraprofessionals are an integral part of our team, providing essential support and contributing significantly to the success of our students and educational programs,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Allentown School District’s Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. “This contract reflects our ongoing commitment to valuing and supporting every member of our workforce.”
Increasing retention rates of instructional and non-instructional staff members was identified as a Goal in the District’s new Strategic Plan. Establishing competitive salary schedules across all employee groups is one way that Allentown can work towards achieving that goal and ensuring it develops a workforce for superior performance.
The terms of the contract will run through the 2028-2029 school year, providing a long term sense of security for its members.
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