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JTHS District 204 approves agreement with Sunbelt Staffing and multiple personnel actions as public commenters press for higher paraprofessional pay
Summary
Trustees approved a staffing agreement with Sunbelt Staffing, adopted numerous personnel recommendations and stipend updates, and heard public comment urging higher paraprofessional wages and opposition to outsourcing bus services.
The Joliet Township High School District 204 board on Oct. 21 approved an agreement with Sunbelt Staffing, LLC and a broad set of personnel items, while members of the public raised concerns about paraprofessional wages and potential outsourcing of bus services.
The agreement with Sunbelt Staffing was moved by Michelle Stiff, seconded by Christine Lynn, and approved by roll-call vote with all trustees voting aye. The board also approved disposal of equipment, accepted donations, and approved JTHS stipend updates; the stipend update passed with a divided vote. A comprehensive personnel report covering resignations, leaves of absence, extra-pay recommendations, salary advancements, homebound tutors and classified hires and changes also passed on roll call.
During board reports and the public-comment period, trustees discussed staff retention and pay. Board member Thomas Fitzpatrick said staff were leaving for other districts and suggested using the district's reported $18 million surplus to increase pay; Dr. Guseman provided the district's retention figures (district retention 93%, support staff retention 86%).
Multiple public commenters urged action on paraprofessional compensation and opposed outsourcing of bus services. Speakers included Yolanda Alexander (bus driver), Sarah McLaurien (president, Paraprofessional Union), Tim Schreiber (security), teacher Megan Heckler, and parent Melissa Rainford; the minutes summarize their concerns but do not record verbatim quotes.
The minutes do not record whether the Sunbelt Staffing agreement is tied to transportation outsourcing; public commenters explicitly opposed outsourcing but the board record does not connect that opposition to specifics of the Sunbelt contract in the minutes.
