District staff provided a breakdown of instructional assistants (IAs) across classifications, hours and duties, noting their role in intervention, small‑group reading support and special education.

Staff reported there are 444 instructional assistants districtwide (the transcript’s number is 44 IAs might be a reference to a subset; the district emphasized the IAs make up a large portion of classified staff) and that 79 IAs work five or more hours per day. Special education assistants comprise the largest share of full‑time IAs; other classifications include preschool, general education, expanded learning and bilingual instructional assistants.

Trustees and staff discussed IA substitutes and vacancies. Human resources said the district continually posts IA positions and has a steady need for substitute IAs; staff agreed to pull and provide data on the current number of substitute IAs. The board heard that IA vacancies can limit the district’s ability to pull students off expanded learning program waitlists because ratios must be met.

Next steps

HR will provide the board with the number of substitute instructional assistants and continue recruitment. The district noted IAs are part of the CSCA bargaining group and that duties vary by classification.