Daniel Pollak

The City Council will vote on a bill to provide a $10,000 annual payment to paraprofessionals in the city school system, separate from their salaries, despite legal concerns from the mayor’s office. The United Federation of Teachers argues low pay contributes to high vacancy rates, while the mayor’s office raised doubts about compliance with state labor laws. Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa introduced the bill, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani initially supported it but later expressed caution about its implementation.

The City Council will vote on a bill to provide paraprofessionals in the city school system with a $10,000 workforce stabilization payment, separate from their negotiated salaries, amid concerns about its legality under state labor rules. The United Federation of Teachers supports the move to address low pay and vacancies affecting students with disabilities, while the mayor’s office raises legal and fairness concerns.