Peoria Unified approves pay boost and ‘grow‑your‑own’ plan for instructional assistants

The Peoria Unified Governing Board on Sept. 25 approved revisions to the district’s classified hourly placement schedule that raise starting pay for instructional assistants (IAs) in a two‑tier structure and launch a “grow‑your‑own” pathway for special‑education teachers.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation after a presentation from Talia Visentainer, the district deputy chief for human resources, and public comments from teachers, social workers and paraeducators who urged higher pay and more stable, in‑house staffing.

The change raises starting hourly pay to $18 for staff in self‑contained programs and developmental preschool and to $16.50 for other IA positions, Visentainer said. The district currently relies heavily on contractors — about 150–160 contracted IAs, with an average billed rate the district said was roughly $43 per hour — and paid about $12 million last year on contracted assistance. The district projects that converting a modest share of contracted IAs to district positions will reduce contractor spending and produce long‑term savings.

Visentainer said the district expects initial added payroll costs to be offset if about 38 contracted IAs transition to district employment over the course of the year, and aims to reduce contracted IA use to fewer than 40 staff by April 2026. The plan also includes in‑house onboarding, staged classroom responsibilities, required training (CPI/NCI or similar), and a Teach Peoria program to support existing IAs who pursue teacher certification.

Supporters told the board they expect higher pay and improved onboarding to reduce turnover and improve continuity for special‑education students. Trina Berg, a former special‑education teacher and budget committee member, asked whether the new starting rates would still be attractive once ASRS retirement contributions are deducted from take‑home pay; district staff acknowledged that change but described the increases as a first step and flagged future compression adjustments as a possible next phase.

The board’s approval follows a motion by Mrs. Proudfit, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, and passed on a 4‑0 voice vote. Board members voiced support at the meeting, calling the proposal a long‑needed investment in staff stability and student support.

What the board approved: the district will implement the revised initial classified hourly placement schedule and begin recruiting and onboarding to convert contracted IAs into district employees while developing the Grow Your Own special‑education teacher pathway and additional training checkpoints.

The district plans to report progress and staffing changes to the board and noted the proposal does not immediately resolve pay compression for existing employees; Visentainer said addressing compression would require additional budget capacity and might be pursued with override funds in a later phase.

The board’s action moves the district from heavier reliance on third‑party contractors toward a strategy the administration says will improve continuity for students and reduce long‑term costs.