Rep. Garcia's Bill Would Guarantee $45K Minimum Salary for School Support Staff With $25B Federal Grant

Contracted staff who work in schools through private companies would also need to be paid the new minimums. Small businesses that contract with school districts for services like transportation, custodial work, or food service would need to raise wages to comply, though the federal funding flowing to districts could help cover those increased costs.

The bill explicitly protects existing collective bargaining agreements, union contracts, and memoranda of understanding. Union members in school districts would benefit from the new federal wage floor of $45,000 for full-time staff and $30/hour for part-time staff, which would serve as a baseline that unions could negotiate above. The supplement-not-supplant provision also ensures federal money adds to — rather than replaces — existing state and local funding, preserving union-negotiated pay structures.

Students benefit indirectly but meaningfully. Higher pay for school support staff — paraprofessionals, bus drivers, librarians, and others — could help reduce the staffing shortages many schools face today. When schools are fully staffed with experienced workers who stick around longer, students get more consistent support in classrooms, on buses, and throughout the school day.

The bill specifically mentions using funds for professional development and credentials related to special education and related services. Paraprofessionals who work one-on-one with students with developmental disabilities are among the lowest-paid school workers, and better pay could reduce the high turnover that disrupts these students' learning and care.

Many students with physical disabilities depend on paraprofessionals and support staff for daily assistance in school settings. Higher wages and better professional development opportunities could improve retention of these critical workers, leading to more consistent care and support for students who need it most.