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Core 4 board reviews K-4 assessment results, discusses paraprofessional support and contract renewal
Summary
The Core 4 board reviewed K-4 reading and math screening results, discussed reinstating early speech screening and the limits of the board's authority over staffing, and heard parents urge full-time paraprofessional aides as the Core 4 contract approaches its June 2027 expiration.
The Core 4 board at the Whitnall School District reviewed early-childhood K-4 assessment data and discussed paraprofessional support and the program's contract, which the board said expires in June 2027.
Moderator called the meeting to order and introduced the agenda item: a presentation of Core 4's "core 4" assessment results and a follow-up discussion on paraprofessional staffing. Moderator said the presentation pulled out the "core 4" measures that will also appear at the regular school board meeting.
Amy, a Core 4 presenter, described how the reading initial-sounds task is administered one-on-one and the common student error of naming letters rather than producing sounds. "This year, I had I have 42 kids. I mean, 2 classes of 21," Amy said, noting time pressures and interruptions make one-on-one testing challenging. She also summarized the math screening (counting, number recognition and counting-on/back items) and stressed the need for consistent instructional vocabulary.
Board members and parents pressed on supports and screening. A parent asked whether the universal speech screener used in prior years could be reinstated; participants described the ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaire) used for 3-year-olds and the district's "child find" process that begins with a community survey and invitation to screen. Moderator said the screener can speed identification and referrals but that universal approaches must follow referral procedures and legal requirements.
On staffing authority, Moderator explained the current Core 4 contract contains no language allowing the Core 4 board to set paraprofessional staffing levels, so the board can share recommendations but not unilaterally change staffing. Moderator added that the contract expires in June 2027 and that the district will need to begin renewal work early in the 2027 calendar year if it intends to continue the arrangement; one alternative would be for K-4 to become part of the school district, which would mainly change transportation logistics.
Parents urged more in-class supports. "Whether there's 13 kids or 21 kids, I think we need an aid in those classrooms full time," a parent said, pressing the board to raise the issue with the school board or during public comment when the contract is discussed. Board members acknowledged funding constraints and noted that broader state funding proposals (mentioned as Governor Evers' funding) could affect available dollars.
The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn. Amy moved to adjourn at 4:30 p.m.; a resident seconded and those present voted in favor, with no opposition reported.
Next steps: board staff said they will check prior board minutes, coordinate with past leads to confirm previous renewal timelines and email attendees with a proposed schedule for contract review.
