Board approves one-year Kelly Services contract for paraprofessionals after parents raise safety and training concerns

The Conewago Valley School District Board of Directors on June 2 approved finance items that include a one-year contract with Kelly Services to supply paraprofessional support (PCAs) for students with disabilities.

Parents and caregivers urged the board to consider the risks they said accompany a contractor model, citing safety incidents, turnover and limited training for incoming staff. "My son could have died that day," parent Alexandra Coyne told the board, recounting an incident in which her autistic son eloped during kindergarten when a substitute PCA was not available.

The board and administration said the contract is intended to reduce turnover and provide consistent training. Superintendent Dr. Perry told the board that the district negotiated a one-year agreement and that the district would communicate specifics to families after board approval. "We can't sign a contract. We'll sign a contract and the board approves it. We will communicate with our…