School support staff forced to choose between their health or job

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — School support staff are preparing to return to schools during a pandemic.

“If we’re not working, we’re not getting paid. We have to put food on the table, bills and if we don’t go back to work then we have to leave what we love.” Said Candis Ryczkowski, Mustang Tech Support Supervisor.

As a support staff employee, Ryczkowski says they don’t receive the same benefits as a teacher.

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Going back to work means risking the possibility of exposure to COVID-19, and some staff has to make a tough decision.

“Custodians, TA’s, pairs, crosswalk guards all of those people will be working in those environments and we’ve had a few people who’ve had to resign.”

Ryczkowski describes it as a ‘diabolical situation’. Her co-workers are having to choose between the job that they love and risking exposing their loved ones to COVID-19.

“It’s unfortunate that these resignations are what have to happen under these circumstances,” Ryczkowski said.

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She describes the support staff as dedicated, and explains they do so much work behind the scenes that doesn't get recognized by everyone. But she says the kids see it.

“Those kids see the custodians, bus drivers, the cafeteria staff and those are the people who are there every day to take care of them, give them consistency, and make them feel comfortable.” Said Ryczkowski.