During a recent government meeting, public concerns regarding employee compensation and budget allocation in Haverhill's education system took center stage. The meeting, which was recorded for transparency, began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance before transitioning to public comments.

Rosalina Nabisco, an employee at ESP in Haver High, expressed frustration over stagnant wages, highlighting that her paycheck has decreased over the years despite an increasing workload. She sought clarity on potential pay increases, emphasizing the growing demands placed on staff.

Barry Davis, president of the Haverhill Education Association, voiced strong concerns about the treatment of Educational Support Professionals (ESPs), who are currently in their second year without a contract. He pointed out the disparity in salary increases, noting that while administrators received significant raises, teachers and support staff were left behind amid claims of a budget crisis. Davis criticized the rapid creation of a new assistant superintendent position, arguing that such decisions were made without adequate public input and reflected a troubling trend of prioritizing higher salaries for top officials over fair compensation for lower-paid employees.

Davis called for a reevaluation of how the city funds its schools, urging officials to address the needs of all staff members equitably. He concluded by stressing the importance of fair treatment and adequate resources for educators and support staff, underscoring a growing sentiment that the current funding priorities are misaligned with the needs of the community.