Board Approves MOU with SEIU Local 1 to Align Paraprofessional Hiring with Ohio Law
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Summary
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with Service Employees International Union, Local 1 to align paraprofessional hiring requirements with the Ohio Revised Code, removing district-imposed testing barriers that limited recruitment.
The Tallmadge Board of Education voted Nov. 19 to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Service Employees International Union, Local 1, modifying district hiring requirements for paraprofessionals to conform with the Ohio Revised Code.
The superintendent explained the district’s existing contract contained hiring requirements that exceeded state rules and had hampered recruitment of qualified paraprofessionals. "These additional requirements have prevented recruitment of some strong candidates," the superintendent said. Board member Mister Ward emphasized that paraprofessionals are "critical" to students’ daily experiences and that easing excessive testing requirements will open the door to candidates "who are great with kids" but not strong test-takers.
Trustees moved and seconded the recommendation and approved the MOU by roll-call vote. Administration and the union negotiated the change, which the superintendent said was intended to ensure hiring aligns with state statute while preserving student supports.
Board members also noted pressures on special-education staffing ratios as evaluations generate more IEPs; administration said they are monitoring needs and are recruiting to address upswings in IEP-related service requirements.
The MOU takes effect as described in the attached memorandum; the board directed administration to continue staffing work and report any emergent needs related to special-education caseloads.