Parents, paraprofessionals press board on pay and services as meeting hears concerns over reserve transfer

During the meeting’s public‑comment period, two speakers asked the board to reconsider funding priorities and to address special education staffing and compensation.

Maria Noel, a special education paraprofessional at the Intermediate School, spoke about pay and working conditions. Noel said special education paraprofessionals complete more than 20 hours of specialized training annually and provide intensive, sometimes physical supports to students. She said changes to holiday/stipend practices reduced pay for some paraprofessionals, and she asked why paraprofessionals are not paid for certain in‑service days or for unmade snow days. “Our work is physically and emotionally demanding,” she said, urging the board to “show that you value and understand the essential role we play.”

Another speaker, parent Randy Frem of Springfield Township, urged the board to reconsider transferring $4.4 million into the capital reserve fund. Frem said families and staff remain concerned about special education resources and that capital funds should not be “locked away” if they could be used to improve services and staffing for vulnerable learners.

Board response: Several board members acknowledged the comments and reiterated the multi‑year planning behind the capital reserve policy, saying the transfer responds to identifiable near‑term capital needs and is intended to avoid future tax increases. Board member Tony Pantano asked for patience with the multi‑year approach and emphasized the board’s intention to protect long‑term fiscal stability.

Next steps: Commenters asked the board to engage with staff and families on special education staffing and compensation. Several board members said they are available to meet with parents and staff over the summer to discuss specific concerns and to gather more information.