School support staff need raises, too

THE JOURNAL’S article on May 8 regarding compensation for public-school employees does an outstanding job illustrating the need — in fact, the absolute imperative — to ensure all of these workers are treated fairly.

It must be acknowledged the raises provided to many teachers and some counselors in Senate Bill 1 are not only appropriate, but long overdue. At the same time, it is not enough.

There are many, many others who must be lifted up as well. We cannot leave behind the social workers, nurses, counselors, therapists and others who will not see the same benefit from this bill.

The Journal’s story also describes the method many have agreed will ensure New Mexico can attract and retain people for these vital yet difficult jobs. Instead of creating a financial burden on individual school districts, improved pay can be formally put into place through legislation — and this solution must be a priority in next year’s session at the Roundhouse.

This would be money well spent. It would be an investment in our future that comes with an absolutely guaranteed return — to say nothing of meeting the obligation we all have to treat the people doing these jobs with fairness and respect.

We have spent the last two years being reminded of what we already knew — publicschool workers are essential. We have celebrated them with social media posts. We have thanked them with cards and emails. We have learned more about the challenges and the importance of their jobs through media coverage — and kudos to the Journal for their role in that reporting.

But, again, it is not enough. Let’s put our money where our mouth is, and ensure fairness for the people building our future.