SAUGUS — The School Committee on Thursday night approved a minimum wage increase in the district to $15 an hour, a move that impacts crossing guards, hall monitors, sub clerks, breakfast monitors and student workers in extended day and summer programs.
The increase takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023, and keeps the town in line with the minimum wage set by the state, which will also hit $15 an hour. The minimum wage in the town and statewide currently sits at $14.25 an hour.
The wage increase is already factored into the schools’ fiscal year 2023 budget.
School Committee Chair Vincent Serino said the wage increase was the “right thing to do,” though he said it was his understanding that the town didn’t necessarily have to come into compliance with the state requirement.
“It keeps us competitive,” he said. “We’re fighting for [paraprofessionals]. If you’re a para, and you want to be in a good school system, come see us. That’s what we need to do. We’ve got a great support staff.”
The wage increase passed the committee, which was without member Ryan Fisher Thursday night, by a unanimous vote.
