School board reads resolution proclaiming Paraprofessional Appreciation Week; paras urge fuller recognition

The St. Tammany Parish School Board Committee as a Whole read a resolution on April 3 recognizing paraprofessionals and proclaiming the week of March 31 through April 2025 as Paraprofessional Appreciation Week.

The resolution, read aloud by Board member Miss Moore, praises paraprofessionals as “an essential part of our school district” and directs a copy be sent to Kimberly Gardner, assistant superintendent of students with exceptionalities in federal programs, and to all schools for posting. "Be it therefore resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to Kimberly Gardner...and to all schools within the school system to post as a sign of appreciation to our paraprofessionals," Miss Moore read.

Why it matters: paraprofessionals (paras) provide classroom support, 1-on-1 assistance and behavioral interventions for students with disabilities and other needs, and several attendees said paras sometimes go unrecognized at individual school sites.

At the meeting, paraprofessional Karen Araby described the emotional and practical work paras perform. "I'm just a para, but I've sat with your child through meltdowns to make sure they feel safe, heard, and supported," Araby said. She told the board she recently learned some paras were not being recognized at their schools and asked for broader acknowledgment.

Board members responded with public praise. Miss Gallagher told paras, "You are not just a para. You are a para. So don't let that just mean make you think anybody thinks any less of you." Miss Rutherford, Miss Lamy and others offered personal thanks to named paras who work across schools.

Formal action and next steps: Miss Moore said, "And I so move," after reading the resolution; the transcript records the motion but does not record a formal roll-call vote or outcome for the resolution in the excerpt provided (outcome not specified). The resolution text directs distribution to Kimberly Gardner and to schools for posting.

Context and background: Speakers at the meeting noted this proclamation is a relatively new district-level observance; a public commenter said retired teacher Adeline Rutherford and Connie Knight helped advance the idea two years ago, and that St. Tammany may be the only district in the state to designate a full week.

The meeting also included applause and recognition of paras in attendance; several board members and attendees encouraged schools to ensure all paraprofessionals receive local recognition.

Ending note: The resolution highlights the district’s stated intent to publicly acknowledge paraprofessionals; the record does not show a recorded vote on the resolution in the provided transcript excerpt.