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School board approves extra special-education paraprofessional at Bridgewater amid immediate student needs
Summary
The Northfield Public School Board approved hiring a 6.75-hour-per-day special education paraprofessional for Bridgewater Elementary after district staff reported several newly enrolled students with complex medical and safety needs. Total salary and benefits were quoted at $52,005.29; after state reimbursement the estimated district cost is $23,
The Northfield Public School Board voted on Oct. 14 to approve the immediate hire of an additional special-education paraprofessional (6.75 hours per day) at Bridgewater Elementary, citing several newly enrolled students with complex medical self-care and safety needs.
Sarah Pratt, director of special services, told the board the special-education leadership team and the Bridgewater principal reviewed student needs after school opened and concluded an additional nonlicensed educational assistant was required. Pratt said the total cost for salary and benefits would be $52,005.29, and that state special-education reimbursement would bring the district’s net cost to about $23,656.
Board action
The board added Pratt’s staffing request to the meeting’s action items and then voted to approve the hire. The approval was recorded by voice vote; the board chair announced the motion carried.
Why it matters: Pratt said the positions respond to current enrolled students with urgent supports required during the school day. The additional paraprofessional will be assigned to Bridgewater to support students with significant care and safety needs, Pratt said.
Vote details and motion text
Motion (as stated in meeting): "Add a special ed assistant personal care assistant at Bridgewater Elementary School for 6.75 hours per day with a district cost of $23,656 after salary reimbursement." Mover: not specified in transcript; Second: not specified in transcript. Outcome: approved (voice vote, motion passes).
Clarifying details
Pratt said the recommendation followed a 5–6 week review of needs and allocations after school opened, and that district staff shifted resources where possible before making the request. The district will apply for state special-education reimbursement; Pratt presented the estimated gross and net costs at the meeting.
Ending
The board approved the hire and the item was entered into personnel and payroll processes; no further conditions or amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes.
