Our paraprofessionals have waited long enough. It’s time for the New York City Council to pass the bill providing a $10,000 annual “RESPECT check” for all New York City public school paraprofessionals.

Once again this fall, thousands of open paraprofessional positions remain unfilled — and students with special needs are missing mandated services — because the city Department of Education offers wages too low for these essential school staff members.

Paraprofessionals are not paid what they are worth. The starting salary is around $32,000, and pay tops out at about $54,000. These wages are not enough to make ends meet in this city, let alone raise a family.

The “RESPECT check” bill, introduced in April, would give these crucial workers the money they deserve. It is sponsored by 48 of the 51 Council members and has the support of the public advocate and three borough presidents. Yet Council Speaker Adrienne Adams initially blocked the legislation and then scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 19, one of the last possible dates before the term ends.

After a groundswell of pressure from paraprofessionals who inundated the Council with calls, emails and social media messages, the hearing has been moved to Nov. 13, which will be a day of action for paraprofessionals in schools across the city.

The bill must be passed now. Our paraprofessionals — and our students — can’t wait any longer.