Schools

Reader Feedback: BBP Residents Endorse Health Benefits for Aides/Assistants

In an overwhelming tally local taxpayers say staff should have access to healthcare plan.

By an overwhelming majority, Bayport-Blue Point residents are okay with giving school district aides and assistants health benefits if they’re either willing to pay 100 percent of the cost or at least the current contribution other staffers pay, according to a Patch poll that drew over 700 votes.

In one of the most voting-heavy surveys run on Patch, 425 respondents (representing 55 percent of the vote tally) favor benefits if the employees paid the full cost. Another 325 residents (42 percent of the tally) approve of giving employees the current health benefit plan at the same cost to employees that is available to other union groups.

Just one percent, representing 10 votes, believe the employees should not be offered contractual benefits.

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The feedback activity was hot and heavy, with nearly 20 comments hitting on a various number of issues and related concerns.

Employee bargaining units and the district’s board of education negotiate health benefits during contract talks. Many of the comments wondered why benefits are not part of the package and said the board should endorse allowing such benefits, with one reader stating is a “humane” choice.

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Many readers noted that such staff play a vital role in students’ day-to-day education and deserve the same health benefits at a rate of contribution comparable to the teaching staff.

“The school district has waste in other places that can be addressed to curb the cost and make the decision to give aids and assistants healthcare, which is the right choice, budget neutral,” wrote a reader.

“I know myself that I could not have done my job as well without the aides and assistants," wrote another. "They are what make a district work. The children are with the aides and assistants more than any other staff member. I think it is a disgrace the way that they are treated, the pay they receive, sick days, it is a slap in the face. The administrators should be ashamed! No I was not a teacher or aide."

Several readers stated that 100 percent of the cost is too big a burden for the staff. "If the aides and assistants had to pay 100 per cent of their health benefits, they would never receive a paycheck. They work hard and should receive the same benefits as other employees in the district," wrote the reader.

Many stated the pay-in should be at a price point that is affordable given the compensation levels.

“These aides/assistants are a big part of the school and work closely with the children on a daily basis. It is ridiculous that people are voting to have them pay 100% of the cost. Many may not know that they do not get paid during the summer months nor do they have large salaries like those that already receive health benefits,” wrote a reader.


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