Madison County student support service workers describe roles as board praises new positions

Lexi Bolli, student support service worker at Foley Middle School, and Havana Thacker, student support service worker at Glenn Marshall Elementary School, described how their positions work with students and staff to address social, emotional and academic challenges.

"One of the most important things I get to do is help students navigate the tricky path of finding a balance," Bolli said. She told the Madison County Board of Education that building genuine relationships and being a consistent, safe presence are central to the work.

Thacker said the role gives staff the ability to both hear and listen to children, and to help students develop social and behavioral skills. "When we learn to listen to children and see things from their perspective, we have the ability to move mountains," she said.

Board members said the district created 15 student support service worker positions midyear and that Bolli and Thacker are two of those hires. Board members noted the positions serve a broad set of students, including those who do not meet thresholds for formal plans such as 504s or individualized education programs but who nonetheless need support.

Bolli and Thacker described practical work the roles entail: building rapport with students, coordinating with classroom teachers and staff, providing movement or behavior breaks, and supporting students who are affected by events at home. The presenters said these services can help students participate better in class and support success at school and at home.

The board requested the presenters return in the future to report on program outcomes and implementation details.