I’m writing as a Lexington parent and an immigrant. My family came here hoping for a better future, and one of the main reasons we chose Lexington was the public schools.
When my kids started school, everything was new and overwhelming—for them and for us. The people who helped us the most were the support staff: the Unit C workers. They were kind, patient, and always there. Whether it was helping with routines, translating, or just making our kids feel safe and welcome, they made a huge difference.
That’s why I’m so confused, and honestly a bit upset, to hear that the contract for Unit C hasn’t moved forward in over a year. The latest offer even reduces their workdays, which means less pay for people who already earn the least. A 3% raise over three years doesn’t even keep up with the cost of living—and with the cut in days, it’s barely anything.
We’ve been told there’s no money because of town budget decisions, but this has been going on for years. It’s not fair to keep asking these essential workers to wait and accept less.
Every year, more families like mine move to Lexington. Our kids need these staff members. They are a big part of what makes our schools strong and welcoming. We should show them the respect they’ve shown us.