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Prior Lake-Savage board approves additional paraprofessional hours, tutoring expansion and booster‑funded ninth‑grade coach
Summary
The school board approved adding paraprofessional hours, expanding the tutoring program to outside contractors, accepting two small gifts and authorizing an extra ninth‑grade football coach funded by the booster club; all motions passed unanimously.
The Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved three personnel actions requested by district administrators: an increase of 4,000 paraprofessional hours in the district’s Kids Company program, an expansion of the Laker Learning tutoring program to allow qualified outside tutors, and an additional ninth‑grade football coach paid for by the Booster Club.
The board also accepted two gifts: $500 from the Prior Lake‑Savage Optimists for a back‑to‑school event and $617.50 in summer band scholarships from the Patrons of the Arts and Activities. All motions passed by voice vote or roll call, with the board recording unanimous support.
Key details and votes - Kids Company paraprofessionals: The board approved adding 4,000 hours for nine‑month Kids Company paraprofessionals, which the district said equals about 3.16 full‑time equivalent positions. The superintendent said the additional staffing will be funded by the district’s community service fund. The motion was made by Director Bullion and seconded by Director Frans and carried 7‑0.
- Laker Learning Tutoring Program: The board approved expanding the tutoring program to include qualified tutors beyond current district staff, a change the district requested because internal interest among staff was insufficient to meet demand. District staff said the program will recruit broadly and that tutor costs will be covered by user fees charged for tutoring services. The motion was made by Director Bullion, seconded by Director Johnson, and carried 7‑0.
- Ninth‑grade football coach: Rising participation in ninth‑grade football prompted a request for an additional coach, with the Booster Club agreeing to cover salary, taxes and benefits. The motion, made by Director Johnson and seconded by Director Frans, passed 7‑0.
- Gifts: The board accepted a $500 donation from the Prior Lake‑Savage Optimists for a back‑to‑school event and $617.50 for summer band scholarships from the Patrons of the Arts and Activities. The motion to accept the gifts was made by Director Bullion, seconded by Director Johnson, and approved unanimously by roll call.
Why it matters: The staffing changes aim to meet increased student needs in childcare and extracurricular activities and to sustain tutoring capacity. The tutoring expansion shifts some program delivery costs onto participating families via fees, while the Booster Club‑funded coaching position avoids using district operating funds.
What the board decided: Each personnel and gift item was approved on individual motions; no amendments or dissent were recorded. Staff will proceed with implementation and recruitment steps described when the board approved each item.
