Berkeley County School District approves 33 paraprofessionals and 5 secretaries for special education

The Berkeley County School District Board made significant strides in enhancing special education resources during their meeting on May 5, 2025. The board approved the addition of 33 classroom paraprofessionals and five classified itinerant secretaries for the 2025-2026 school year, responding to a pressing need identified through a comprehensive assessment of current support structures. This decision aims to bolster classroom support for students with diverse needs, including those in resource, self-contained, and autism programs.

The approval, which passed unanimously with a 3-0 vote, reflects the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes for students requiring special education services. Board members expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the overwhelming feedback from educators regarding the burdens of administrative tasks that detract from their ability to focus on student needs. The additional personnel are expected to alleviate these pressures, allowing teachers to dedicate more time to instruction and student engagement.

In addition to special education allocations, the board discussed ongoing capital projects funded by the penny sales tax. Updates were provided on various construction initiatives, including the Midtown Middle School and Beattree Elementary projects, both of which are progressing well and are on track for completion. The board also approved a change order for HVAC upgrades at Hanahan Middle School, ensuring that outdated systems are replaced to enhance the learning environment.

Looking ahead, the board is set to continue monitoring the performance of the penny tax, which is crucial for funding future projects. The next steps include finalizing designs for additional school expansions and athletic facility upgrades, with a focus on meeting the needs of the community and ensuring that all projects remain on schedule and within budget.

The meeting concluded with the scheduling of future board meetings, including a virtual workshop on the budget, emphasizing the district's ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement. As the Berkeley County School District moves forward, these decisions are poised to have a lasting impact on the educational landscape, particularly for students requiring specialized support.