Board proclaims Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and hears parent concerns about pay, staffing

The Milan Area Schools Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing April 3, 2026 as Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, with a board member reading the resolution into the record and the board voting in favor after brief comments praising paraprofessionals’ contributions to student success.

"Paraprofessionals are essential to the mission of our district and the success of our students," the resolution states, listing services paraprofessionals provide and urging community members to express appreciation. The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Prior and supported by Bdett; a roll-call vote recorded six yes votes and the motion carried.

During public comment, several parents connected the recognition to concerns about pay and retention. "When we're not paying people what they deserve, benefits, pay, we're going to get maybe what we're paying for," parent Ashley Iikner Pendle said, describing turnover among paraprofessionals supporting her children and asking the district to consider compensation and earlier notification about para pairings.

Board members offered multiple remarks of gratitude, noting that paraprofessionals work with vulnerable students and frequently attend board meetings to follow district business. The board also acknowledged other staff groups and celebrated adult-education graduates, with the superintendent noting the adult-ed graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 20.

Action and next steps: The resolution is a formal expression of appreciation rather than a change in compensation or policy. Parents requested the district consider pay and pairing practices; the board did not announce any specific compensation changes at the meeting and typically refers staffing and contract issues to the superintendent and negotiating processes.