See Video: LTHS Teacher's Aides Protest For Higher Pay

LA GRANGE, IL — Lyons Township High School's teacher's aides braved freezing temperatures and navigated icy sidewalks in their protest for higher pay this week.

More than a couple of dozen aides showed up for Tuesday's demonstration, which took place outside on North Campus before a school board meeting.

They walked between the school's main entrance and the auditorium, the site of the meeting. They shouted, "Fair Pay! Our Way!"

They held signs such as "Our Students Deserve Better!" and "Dr. Waterman, We Care. Do You?" The latter sign referred to Superintendent Brian Waterman.

Some drivers honked in support.

The aides, known formally as paraeducators, have worked without a contract since August. They belong to the Lyons Township Paraeducators Association.

They say they are among the lowest-paid teacher's aides in the area. And they maintain the $15.48 starting wage for an aide puts then below the poverty line for a family of four.

During the meeting, they wore blue shirts with an inscription in support of their cause. The teacher's union president also wore one.

During public comments, Nicholas Castiglione, the union's spokesman, said their low pay was leading to a shortage of aides.

"We frequently divide our time between multiple students who need one-on-one attention," said Castiglione, a 2003 Lyons Township graduate. "This is having a negative impact on students."

Another aide, Lisa Hammon, said the administration sees aides as sitting at the equivalent of the Thanksgiving kids' table, receiving the crumbs.

The school, she said, has delayed and made excuses for a year, which she called "beyond reprehensible."

She warned the aides would take their "voices and crumbs to a strike."

As is its policy, the board did not respond to the public comments.

On its website, the school says it offered aides an 8 percent average increase in the first year of a four-year contract and 3 percent annual hikes in the remaining three years.

The union counters the school's proposed raises come from a low point, contending local aides are among the lowest paid in the area.