Polk County Commissioners have agreed to include a school district tax referendum on the November 2026 ballot. If passed, the measure would generate about $80 million for salaries for teachers and support staff.

Paraeducator Matthew Crowley says when working in special needs classrooms, he is often the first to respond when a child needs extra help.

For ESC classrooms, I could also take on the role, if needed, to change diapers, help feed children, and any sort of aspect to do with one-on-one help, Crowley said.

He says paraeducators do far more than assist with schoolwork, but his pay of $16.60 per hour does not match the responsibility.

That pay anywhere in the county is insufficient, but I feel for the work that I do. But its also insufficient to survive in the county, Crowley said.

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