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Task force calls for bolder state action on teacher pay, caseloads and paraprofessional support to stabilize special‑education services
Summary
Task force members urged state action to address urgent shortages of special‑education teachers, paraprofessionals and related services and discussed targeted pay, caseload limits and certification incentives.
Task force members urged state action to address recruitment and retention problems for special‑education teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers, saying staffing shortages are a primary reason districts rely on out‑of‑district placements.
The group discussed multiple, sometimes overlapping remedies: raising starting teacher salaries (participants referenced a $60,000 starting salary as an illustrative target used in discussions), state‑funded incentives or bonuses for shortage areas, tuition reimbursement or targeted certification supports, and clearer caseload/workload guidelines.
Why it matters: Several speakers said staffing shortfalls and weak general‑education foundations increase the likelihood that students will be placed out of district. One superintendent described programs “on the shelf” that cannot be implemented because a district “cannot implement because I don't have the staff.” Members framed workforce funding as a…
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