Hundreds of NYSUT members, community supporters and labor activists recently crowded outside a Vestal school board meeting for a candlelight vigil in support of aides and monitors who have been fighting for a good contract for a year and a half.

The spirited event focused attention on the broad support the Vestal Association of School Paraprofessionals has received from the parent, political and labor communities in their long struggle.

Four Binghamton area TV stations and the Binghamton Press Sun Bulletin covered the vigil, which brought NYSUT and representatives from the statewide Public Employees Federation together with active and retired members of unions representing teachers, SRPs, substitutes and college faculty from throughout the Southern Tier.

"We are committed to your local in this fight," NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler told participants. "You deserve a fair contract and a living wage."

Local union leader Mary Ann Bynes, who earns $15,400 a year after a quarter of a century as a teacher aide, and Cutler were both interviewed at the gathering by several reporters.

Speakers included former NEA/NY president and Vestal teacher leader Connie Eno, Lee Conrad from the Broome County Labor Federation and county legislator Barry Klipsch.

After the rally, participants packed the school board meeting, urging the board to move on the stalled negotiations.

Message to the board

"I'm sure none of you make below poverty wages," Bynes told board members. "None of you are going to food banks or for public assistance. You have no idea how embarrassing it is to tell someone you work for the Vestal school district and make $15,400 a year."

Retiree Tom Chmielenski, who taught in the district for 35 years, urged the board to "think outside the box" to settle the contract.

One of the final speakers at the board meeting, Vestal SRP Annette Miller summarized the feelings of many of the paraprofessionals.

"I speak because I know how hard paras work," said the 15-year veteran.

"Teachers tell us many kids wouldn't be successful without the help we provide. Our work gives kids the chance to have higher self-esteem. That's why we know our job is important."

- Bernie Mulligan