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Paraprofessionals urge King William board to make ESS staff county employees; budget includes transition plan, officials say
Summary
Two paraprofessionals contracted through ESS asked the King William County School Board to prioritize converting ESS staff to county employees for pay, benefits and classroom stability; Dr. Wagner said the board's recommended budget submitted to supervisors includes a transition plan.
Two paraprofessionals told the King William County School Board they want to become county employees, citing stability for students and better pay and benefits.
"Fair income, strong benefits, and a true sense of belonging are essential for those of us serving in our schools," Caitlyn Pace said during the public-comment period, identifying herself as an elementary paraprofessional. "Becoming King William County employees would provide that stability." Vitica Horning, who said she works at Cool Spring Primary, urged the board to include paraprofessionals in any transition plan so that students are not disrupted by frequent staffing changes.
The issue matters to the division's budget: Dr. Wagner told the board that the school board's recommended budget to the Board of Supervisors includes a transition plan for ESS staff to King William County, and that the division is awaiting final guidance from the General Assembly and the county before changes take effect. "The school board's recommended budget to the board of supervisors does include a transition plan for ESS to King William County," Dr. Wagner said.
Paraprofessional speakers described classroom impacts and recruitment pressures. Pace said strong collaboration between teachers and paraprofessionals "can improve student outcomes, reduce teacher stress, and create a more effective learning environment." Horning said some paraprofessionals have considered leaving for neighboring counties that offer higher pay; she asked the board to prioritize the group's inclusion while the budget is considered.
Board members encouraged speakers to raise the issue also with the Board of Supervisors and to attend the March 24 work session, when the superintendent-search survey and other budget items will be discussed. Dr. Wagner asked the public to be patient as the division and county await the General Assembly's budget decisions.
Next steps: the school division will monitor state and county budget developments; the board invited public input at the March 24 work session and indicated the recommended budget already contains a proposed transition for ESS staff.
