AB232 is about fairness. Currently, education support professionals who work for a full school year do not receive a full year of service credit for PERS, even though they work a job that is comparable in hours to teacher members of the system, who do receive a full year of service credit. While there is an augmentation process in PERS that helps mitigate some of the difference in retirement benefits, AB232 is a cost-neutral proposal that will provide transparency and ensure ESPs are treated equally by the system.
Education support professionals are the backbone of our public education system, keeping schools running while ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn. ESPs include paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nutrition workers, custodians, IT workers, clinical aides, administrative assistants, library aides, and building and grounds maintenance. While critical to the operations of schools, education support professionals tend to be at the bottom of district pay scales, with an overwhelming majority making less than a living wage. Last year, the Clark County School District was responsible for the third most workers and dependents on Medicaid in Nevada, just behind Walmart. Education support professionals reflect the Nevada communities they serve. About half of education support professionals across the state are people of color.
NSEA appreciates the work of PERS on AB232, along with the engagement of several school districts across the state. We ask for your support of AB232. Thank you.
What's On Your Mind?
