New Federal Grant Program Targets Paraprofessional Wages and Training in High-Need Schools

The Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act is setting up a new federal grant program designed to tackle a persistent problem in schools: keeping talented paraprofessionals on staff. Paraprofessionals—often called paras, aides, or instructional assistants—are essential support staff, especially for students with special needs or those learning English. This bill authorizes Congress to fund the program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, sending money to state educational agencies (SEAs) to boost recruitment and retention efforts in K-12 schools and preschools.

The Money Trail: Who Gets What and Why

This isn't a flat split of cash. The amount each state receives is directly tied to how much federal Title I funding their local districts received the previous year. If your state has a lot of high-poverty schools that rely heavily on Title I, it will get a larger slice of this new grant pie. States can keep up to 5% of their allotment to run the program and manage statewide efforts. The remaining 95% must be handed out competitively as subgrants to local school districts and eligible educational service agencies.

For local districts applying for these funds, there’s a clear priority list. The state must give preference to entities that serve a high number or percentage of children from low-income families—defined as those qualifying for free school lunch. Priority also goes to schools in specific rural or high-poverty areas (like those designated by locale codes 41, 42, or 43). This means the funding is specifically aimed at shoring up the support staff in the schools that arguably need it most.

Raising the Floor for School Support Staff

So, what can districts actually do with this money? The bill is pretty specific about the approved uses, and they all revolve around making the paraprofessional job more sustainable and professional. Districts can use the funds to develop evidence-based mentoring programs for new paras, offer high-quality professional development, or help staff get necessary credentials or certifications, such as a special education endorsement or even a teaching certificate. Crucially, the bill explicitly allows districts to use these funds to increase paraprofessional wages or offer bonus pay incentives to keep them employed.

If you’re a paraprofessional right now, this bill could mean a few things: a bump in your hourly rate, access to training that helps you move up the career ladder, or a mentor to help you navigate the job. For parents, it means greater stability in the classroom and fewer staff shortages, especially for students who rely heavily on individualized support. The bill requires annual reporting on average pay rates and how those wages have increased, creating a clear metric for accountability.

The Fine Print on Labor Rights

One important provision addresses existing labor agreements. The PARA Educators Act makes it clear that this new law doesn't mess with any existing rights, procedures, or remedies that employees or unions have under federal, state, or local law, including collective bargaining agreements. This is a standard but necessary protection, ensuring that while the federal government is offering money to raise wages, it’s not overriding established local labor negotiations. However, the bill also notes that this protection doesn't excuse a state or district from having to comply with the new rules, including negotiating in good faith to meet the goals of the Act.