Education support professionals in the Maine School Administrative District 51 (MSAD 51) gathered at Greely High School on March 5, 2026, to advocate for a new contract. The group, including education technicians and secretaries, has been without a contract for nearly 250 days. Negotiations, which began in April 2025, have stalled since the previous contract expired on June 30, 2025, despite attempts to bring in a mediator last fall.
The meeting drew a significant crowd, with dozens of members of the MSAD 51 Education Association wearing red to symbolize their unity and urgency. They called on the school board to address their ongoing contract dispute, emphasizing the critical roles they play within the district.
Lulu Balzano-Brookes, a 24-year veteran education technician and lead negotiator for the association, expressed the frustrations of her colleagues. “Ed tech roles require skill, patience, dedication, certification and continuous professional learning, yet compensation and working conditions have not kept pace with the responsibilities we carry,” she stated.
The protest was not the first of its kind; on February 3, education association members picketed outside the district’s central office. The March 5 gathering allowed many to voice their concerns directly to the board during the public comment period.
Kelley Keyte, an education technician with 19 years of experience at Mabel I. Wilson School, shared her feelings of disrespect stemming from the prolonged negotiations. “Although I’m sure it’s not your intention, it makes us feel disrespected, unappreciated and undervalued. That’s not a very fun way to feel coming to school every day,” she remarked. Keyte highlighted notes of appreciation from students, underscoring the positive impact education support professionals have on the learning environment.
Others echoed similar sentiments, stressing that low pay and stagnant wages have contributed to declining morale and staff turnover. “I would ask that we really step up and change this so we don’t lose these people,” said Pete Gillingham, an eighth-grade social studies teacher. He noted that several staff members have left MSAD 51 for higher-paying positions in neighboring districts.
Students also voiced their support. Greely High School senior Camden Burke emphasized the positive influence education support professionals have had on his academic journey. He pointed out the disparity in wages, revealing that he earns $22 an hour for part-time jobs, which is comparable to or exceeds the salaries of experienced education support staff.
Margaret McDevitt, a district education technician for 23 years, revealed her current hourly wage of $27.07, a rate she has only achieved after two decades of service. In contrast, she noted that in nearby Yarmouth, she could earn $30.25 an hour within 12 years.
Responding to the public’s concerns, Leanne Candura, chair of the school board, stated that they have made meaningful offers that are in line with compensation in neighboring districts. “Your contributions are valued, and your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. And again, those words can be hollow without a contract, but the board continues to engage in the process in good faith,” she acknowledged.
As negotiations remain at a standstill, the education association filed for fact-finding in December 2025. An independent organization is set to evaluate the claims from both sides starting on March 20, 2026, unless an agreement is reached beforehand.
“The board is in agreement with the association in our desire for a contract. Unfortunately, obviously, we haven’t been able to agree on those terms yet,” Candura concluded, highlighting the ongoing challenge of achieving a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.