The board approved the personnel agenda at its Sept. 9 meeting after a director asked for clarification about a new complex-case pay differential for paraeducators.

The question matters because the differential affects pay for staff who support students with higher medical or behavioral needs and because directors sought assurance the district had clear criteria and consistent application methods.

Director Lingo asked for an explanation of the metrics behind the complex-case differential. Superintendent Degner asked district staff to respond and Nick (district staff) explained the differential is part of the negotiated agreement and applies when a paraeducator works with a student who is identified as a complex case for at least 50% of the day. He said the district considers two broad factor categories: health/medical needs (for example, medically fragile students, restroom support, feeding tubes) and the complexity of behavior-intervention plans, distinguishing routine BIPs from plans that require substantially greater support.

Nick said the district would continue to refine application of the differential with principals and that placement depends on the individual student's IEP and the needs in each building. Director Lingo pressed whether some schools would have more such assignments because of student distribution; staff confirmed allocations depend on students served in each building and are determined by IEPs.

After the explanation, the board voted to approve the personnel agenda. The transcript shows the motion to approve the personnel agenda was moved and seconded and that online voting was opened and recorded as "the motion carries with all directors voting in favor." The board did not amend policy during the vote; the discussion clarified application and implementation steps.

District staff said they would continue to review and refine the process, including communication with principals to ensure consistent application and to address capacity and training issues raised elsewhere in the meeting.