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Board approves three staff additions: elementary secretary, ELL para, special‑education para; estimated cost covered by current surplus
Summary
The board voted to add one elementary secretary FTE at Prairie Branch Elementary, one English‑language‑learner paraprofessional FTE, and one special‑education one‑on‑one paraprofessional FTE. Administrators estimated roughly $36,000 per full‑year position and said the three hires are funded from existing surplus/new revenue.
The Grain Valley R‑V School District board approved three personnel additions at the workshop: one elementary secretary FTE for Prairie Branch Elementary, one English‑language‑learner (ELL) paraprofessional FTE to support newcomers, and one special‑education paraprofessional FTE for a 1:1 student placement. All three motions carried without recorded dissent.
The elementary secretary position was requested after increased fourth‑grade class sizes at Prairie Branch and to allow a current paraprofessional to refocus on classroom reading interventions. Administrators said the second secretary will split office duties so the paraprofessional can return to instructional time; the change is intended to be permanent while Prairie Branch maintains its current enrollment levels.
The board approved adding an ELL paraprofessional after administrators reported 58 students qualified for the ELL program this year, up from 43 last year. District leaders described the para role as supporting newcomers with little or no English by following schedules, providing in‑class or pull‑out support, and using technology for translation where appropriate. Administrators said the role will serve secondary and high‑school newcomers with entry‑level English skills and will help teachers provide accessible instruction.
The board also approved a 1:1 special‑education paraprofessional to provide individualized support for an elementary student whose IEP team recommended one‑on‑one assistance. Administrators said the decision follows the IEP team's determination of appropriate placement.
Administrators gave a rough cost estimate of about $36,000 for a full‑year paraprofessional position; the three additions together were estimated at about $100,000 if hired for a full year and roughly $120,000 for the remainder of the current school year. The district said the cost will be covered by budgeted surplus and stronger‑than‑expected new revenue from reassessment and construction activity.
Board members who voted in favor included Jared, Sarah, Julie, Jason and the board president; no recorded votes opposed the motions. The motions did not include named movers or seconds in the public record; each motion was approved by voice vote.
