Statement by Alphonso Mayfield

Good evening, Chair, Superintendent, and distinguished members of the School Board,
My name is Alphonso Mayfield, and I’m proud to serve as President of SEIU Florida Public Services Union.

For years, our union has stood as a reliable partner to this district. In times of crisis—hurricanes, pandemics, and chronic underfunding—our members have shown up. They’ve done the work that keeps our schools open, clean, safe, and ready for learning. Often unseen, but always essential.

But tonight, I come before you with urgency and deep concern.

The reality is this: our lowest-paid school employees—bus drivers, custodians, maintenance staff, food service workers—earn an average of just $28,000 a year. Paraprofessionals and early childhood professionals earn even less, with average salaries around $23,000.
Let’s be honest—these are poverty wages. These workers are not just holding up our public education system, they are holding on by a thread. And while their labor keeps this district running, they are barely surviving in the communities they serve.

We are told these wages reflect the “market rate.” Let me be clear: that excuse is offensive. The School District is one of the largest employers in the region—you are the market. If you are simply following a broken market, it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of why we are at the bargaining table. We’re not here to maintain the status quo. We’re here to raise the standard.

On top of that, our ability to advocate for these workers has been weakened—unfairly and unnecessarily due to so-called “Me Too” commitments with CTA and PBA stripping away our bargaining rights. Misleading, even false, information that has now jeopardized our ability to fight for the lowest-wage workers.

It’s disappointing. It’s alarming. And it’s unacceptable.

Hear me now: we will not back down. We reserve the right to take every necessary action to defend our members, their dignity, and their right to a livable wage. If those steps must be taken, they will be taken.

We are not just asking for fairness—we are demanding it. Our members have traveled to Tallahassee, shared their stories of service and struggle, and fought for better school funding—not just for themselves, but for every student in Palm Beach County.

Now we ask this district to do the same: match your words of appreciation with action. Show it in your budget. Show it in your priorities. Because appreciation without action is just lip service.

And finally, I must call out the spread of false and misleading communication that misrepresents our union and our members. It undermines trust, damages partnerships, and disrespects the very people who make this district work. It must stop.

We are prepared to move forward in partnership—but only on a foundation built on truth, respect, and a shared commitment to equity and justice for every worker and every child in this district.

Thank you.