As a school employee, I’ve hesitated to write, expecting judgment for being self-serving. Here’s what kicked me into gear: Jim Bridgman’s March 5 “A Look Back,” 50 years ago: “Salaries at the University of Massachusetts continued to increase at a steady rate this academic year, with 143 faculty and non-teaching professionals earning more than $30,000.”

I came to Northampton High School in 2023 as a paraeducator, working within the special education department. I have an M.Ed.(+30) in teaching and curriculum development and four years experience as a lead teacher. Fifty years after those first UMASS employees, I earn a smidgen over $30,000. While considering this budget crisis, please don’t overestimate what educators are being paid, to which our attention is pointed. Please don’t underestimate the challenges of the legal (and grossly underfunded) mandate to educate all, including “the rise in number of students requiring special education services.”

Remember when the world closed? Still dealing with the fallout: anxiety, depression, social and academic skill and confidence development; plus educators fleeing the profession. A full 26% of students receive special education services, reported Alexander MacDougall (“Northampton’s school budget gap puts 20-plus positions in jeopardy,” Gazette, March 19). Do over one fourth of employees at your workplace require reasonable accommodations? No? You’re welcome: schools help students learn to navigate through their various challenges. Check out Gazette columnist John Sheirer’s articulation of everyone’s responsibility to maintain a vibrant society (“If I complain about paying my taxes … ” Gazette, April 7). Pay it forward, please.

Toni Doherty

Northampton