CUMBERLAND, Maine — Dozens of education support professionals in the Maine School Administrative District 51 (MSAD 51) protested at a board meeting on March 5, 2026, urging the board to finalize a new contract. The education technicians and secretaries have been without a contract for nearly 250 days, with negotiations that began in April 2025 failing to produce an agreement.
At the meeting held in Greely High School, members of the MSAD 51 Education Association, distinguished by their red attire, directly addressed the board of directors. The previous contract expired on June 30, 2025, and mediation efforts last fall did not yield a satisfactory outcome for either party.
Lulu Balzano-Brookes, a veteran education technician with 24 years of experience and a lead negotiator for the education association, emphasized the critical role of education support professionals. “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 need for a resolution has become increasingly urgent. On February 3, education association members held a picket outside the district’s central office, calling for an agreement. During the March 5 meeting, several speakers expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiation process.
Kelley Keyte, who has served as an education technician at Mabel I. Wilson School for 19 years, conveyed her feelings of being undervalued. “Although I’m sure it’s not your intention, it makes us feel disrespected, unappreciated and undervalued,” she remarked. Keyte also shared messages of appreciation from students, highlighting the positive impact of education support professionals.
Concerns about staff retention were raised by Pete Gillingham, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, who noted that colleagues have left MSAD 51 for better pay in nearby districts. “I would ask that we really step up and change this so we don’t lose these people,” he urged.
Students also voiced their support for education support professionals. Camden Burke, a senior at Greely High School, reflected on the significant assistance he received throughout his education. “They’ve always been there for me,” he stated, adding that his part-time jobs pay more than what many education support professionals earn, despite their extensive experience and qualifications.
Amid these discussions, the issue of compensation surfaced prominently. Margaret McDevitt, another district education technician with 23 years of service, revealed that she earns $27.07 per hour, a rate that took her over two decades to achieve. In contrast, if she had worked in Yarmouth, she would have reached a higher rate of $30.25 per hour in just 12 years.
Responding to the public comments, school board Chair Leanne Candura defended the board’s position, stating they had made meaningful offers for raises. “Your contributions are valued, and your commitment doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said, acknowledging that while words of appreciation are important, they can feel hollow without a contract.
As the deadlock in negotiations continues, the education association filed for fact-finding in December 2025. An independent organization is set to review both parties’ claims 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,” Candura concluded. “Unfortunately, obviously, we haven’t been able to agree on those terms yet.” The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by education support professionals, as they advocate for better working conditions and compensation within the district.
