District proposes grant-funded paraprofessional coordinator after retention gains from mentoring program

District staff told the school board on June 9 they will ask the board to consider a grant-funded, limited-term position to coordinate a paraprofessional mentoring and sustained onboarding program.

Presenters said the multi‑department effort over the past year assigned mentors to newly hired paraprofessionals and provided professional learning based on National Education Association standards. Staff reported improved retention among newly hired paraprofessionals this school year and said additional funds from the United Way and partner organizations would extend and enhance the program.

The proposed position, Paraprofessional Development and Effectiveness Coordinator, would likely be filled from current district employees — possibly a paraprofessional stepping temporarily into the role — and would coordinate mentoring, professional learning and onboarding for newly hired paraprofessionals. Staff said the district currently expects roughly 19 paraprofessional openings for the coming school year and that the district employs “300 and some” paraprofessionals across schools.

Staff stressed the role would not replace existing staff but would centralize and expand support, particularly during the summer when onboarding occurs. The board asked whether someone inside the district already performed similar duties; staff answered that some operational duties are already handled by Human Resources but no one currently has this as a full‑time role.

The board did not vote on the creation of the position at the June 9 meeting; staff said they will bring the request forward for board consideration so the district can use the summer to identify a candidate and prepare to implement the expanded program for the new school year.