The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education voted to approve the addition of three full-time instructional assistant (IA) positions, a personnel move the district described as necessary to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements for newly enrolled students.

Presenter Kyle Gertas said the openings reflect unanticipated needs that emerged during registration and new enrollments. "As soon as they enroll, we are then given their IEP...and so that's really the difference in this request," he said, describing the need to assess and then staff for supports required by those plans. He told the board the maximum cost, using full benefits, would be $164,013.43.

When a board member pressed whether the district was at risk of noncompliance with IEPs, Gertas said, "It's a it's a drastic need. And if we don't add these positions we will continue to run the risk of being out of compliance." Board members approved the addition of three IA FTEs by roll call.

Why it matters: Instructional assistants provide direct support for students with IEPs. The board-approved hires are intended to reduce the risk that the district cannot deliver services written into students' plans.

Action taken: The board approved the addition of three instructional assistant FTEs; the district cited a maximum projected personnel cost of $164,013.43 if benefits are fully applied.

Next steps: Staff will begin hiring processes to fill the positions and district administrators reported they will use interim building-level problem-solving to cover needs while hires are completed.