Parents, union representatives and paraprofessionals urge board to confirm superintendent; parapros press for higher pay

Speakers during the public comment period urged the board to confirm Interim Superintendent Jan (Jen) Curry and raised concerns about paraprofessional pay and staffing.

April Ostrander, who identified herself as a district employee and John Glenn graduate, told trustees that Curry’s collaborative and transparent leadership has steadied the district and urged the board not to restart a search that could cost the district and disrupt momentum. ‘‘Miss Curry has been dedicated to this district for over 20 years,’’ Ostrander said.

Steve Khan, president of the Wayne-Westland Education Association, also urged the board to retain Curry, saying the union and district stakeholders support her steady leadership and that the timing offered a long trial of performance before any permanent appointment. “Jen Curry has brought stability to our district,” Khan said.

Separately, a paraprofessional representing WAP told the board the union has about 45 open positions, described physically demanding work and asked the district to raise starting wages for paraprofessionals. The speaker said starting pay for WAP is $18.90 and that the group is among the lowest-paid in the district, and urged the board to raise pay to better reflect the job’s demands.

Board members acknowledged the comments and several trustees said they would consider public sentiment as personnel and budget conversations continue. No formal action was taken during the meeting on superintendent appointment or wage changes.

(Names and roles are reported as given during public comment.)