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Board committee adds 'approved local assessment' language for paraprofessionals, debate continues
Summary
The policy committee recommended Policy 304 for first reading after adding language clarifying Title I and special education paraprofessional qualifications and retaining an option for an approved local assessment, while trustees asked administrators for a clearer administrative regulation on training.
The policy committee recommended sending Policy 304 (employment of personnel) forward for first reading after adding language clarifying Title I paraprofessional qualifications and retaining the option to accept an approved local assessment as evidence of meeting the state’s “rigorous standard of quality.”
Mr. Moran and Superintendent Dr. Russell told trustees the added language reflects state law and existing district practice for certifying paraprofessionals: to be considered “highly qualified” staff must have one of three items — at least two years of post-secondary study, an associate’s degree or higher, or evidence of meeting a rigorous standard of quality, typically demonstrated by a state assessment. The draft policy adds the executive director of human resources as an official reviewer for those determinations.
Several board members asked why the policy would retain an option for a locally created assessment when the district currently uses the state assessment. “We don't currently have a local assessment drafted, created, and approved by the board,” said one trustee, asking whether it is appropriate to include an option the district does not yet offer. Administrators responded that the statute allows districts to accept an approved local assessment and that keeping the language preserves the district’s ability to adopt such an instrument in the future; the committee agreed to add the word “approved” before “local assessment” to make clear any local assessment would need prior approval.
Board members also suggested an administrative regulation to specify training and reporting expectations for special education and personal care paraprofessionals (for example, de-escalation techniques and annual hours of required training). Mr. Moran said administrators will draft an administrative regulation detailing required professional development and the sign‑off process for paraprofessionals.
The committee voted to recommend Policy 304 — with the explicit phrase “approved local assessment” and additions naming the executive director of human resources in review roles — for first reading. No change was made to the district’s current practice of using the state assessment as the primary route to meet the rigorous standard.
Trustees asked administration to return language for an administrative regulation that would address the training and supervision of paraprofessionals.
