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New York City Council
Workforce stabilization payments for school paraprofessionals, and providing for the repeal of such local law upon the expiration thereof
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council staff calls the meeting to order, welcomes attendees to the Committee on Civil Service and Labor vote, and reminds everyone to silence devices and not approach the dais.
Chair Shirley Aldebol opens the committee vote on Proposed Intro 692A, sponsored by Councilmember De La Rosa, which would provide a workforce stabilization payment to NYC school paraprofessionals. She frames the persistent paraprofessional staffing crisis affecting public schools, especially District 75.
Aldebol details how paraprofessionals provide instructional, behavioral, and physical support to students with disabilities, helping them meet IEP goals. She notes paras assist with transitions, toileting, feeding, and socio-emotional regulation, calling them crucial hands-on workers.
Aldebol highlights that starting pay for full-time paras is around $32,000 with a max of roughly $54,000, contrasting these figures with a March 2026 mayoral report estimating the true cost of living in NYC at $70,000 for a single adult. She notes paras receive only 10 days of paid leave and substitutes get no benefits.
Aldebol explains that paras have little schedule flexibility and that vacant positions and attrition force remaining paras to do the work of multiple people, leaving no coverage for unforeseen absences. She states retention and recruitment are insufficient to meet student needs.
Aldebol describes the envisioned workforce stabilization payment as providing paraprofessionals with reprieve for their essential work and incentivizing retention and recruitment for the 2026-2027 school year. She frames it as a response to untenable working conditions.
Aldebol thanks committee staff and her District 13 staff for their preparation. She recognizes the council members in attendance: Hankerson, Narcisse, Hudson, Caban, De La Rosa, Morano, and Gennaro, who confirms he has joined remotely.
Councilmember De La Rosa thanks the chair and introduces Intro 692A as the 'Respect Check.' She describes paraprofessionals as workers who sit one-on-one with students with disabilities, helping children communicate, regulate, and fully participate in school.
De La Rosa notes entry-level paras earn as low as $32,000 and many experienced paras make under $50,000. She cites thousands of paraprofessional vacancies, resulting in lawsuits and a revolving door of outside contracting that cost the city and state over $1.5 billion in the last year.
De La Rosa calls the $10,000 one-time stabilization payment a drop in the bucket compared to the benefits of investing in schools and workforce. She notes that while long-term compensation should come through collective bargaining, this bill addresses the emergency of 1,600-3,000 vacancies.
De La Rosa frames the legislation as being about dignity, recognition, and respect for paraprofessionals. She thanks 47 council members who co-sponsored, along with the Public Advocate, Manhattan Borough President, and Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents, and credits former Councilmember Keith Powers as original sponsor.
Committee clerk William Martin calls the roll on Proposed Intro 692A. Chair Aldebol votes 'very proudly aye,' Gennaro votes aye, and Caban and Hudson also vote in the affirmative without additional remarks.
Councilmember Narcisse votes aye with remarks, stating that as the 'capital of the world' and leaders, New York City is not showing up for paraprofessionals. She urges the council to do the right thing.
Councilmember Hankerson votes aye, noting he is about 10 years out of high school and recalling specific paraprofessionals—Ms. Barnes, Ms. V, and Ms. Cookie—who cared for all students, not just those they were assigned to. He says they deserve the payment.
Councilmember Morano enthusiastically votes yes, congratulating De La Rosa and former Councilmember Powers. He notes the bill's unusual bipartisan popularity yet difficult path, mentions a para in his district retiring without receiving this payment, and calls for expanding payments and a look-back period for paraprofessionals.
The clerk announces the vote result: 7 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative, and no abstentions. Proposed Intro 692A is approved by the full Committee on Civil Service and Labor.