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Paraeducators and union leaders: inconsistent enforcement of attendance policies 'hurting students'
Summary
Union leaders and paraeducators told the board that paraprofessionals are being disciplined more often than teachers for tardiness and absences, and asked the district to apply attendance policies consistently and increase transparency about discipline and staffing decisions.
Union representatives and paraeducators used public comment to raise concerns about uneven enforcement of attendance and discipline policies across schools.
President Michelle Lee and Tina Galloway of union leadership said paraprofessionals were subject to disciplinary action for attendance problems while some teachers in similar circumstances faced little consequence. Gully and others described examples (camera footage and disciplinary outcomes cited as examples) where paraprofessionals were disciplined and teachers were not.
The union speakers asked for transparent, consistent application of attendance rules, parity in accountability and consideration of the impact on classroom stability, especially given staffing shortages in special education and ASD endorsement needs.
Response: the superintendent acknowledged the concerns and said staff and principals would examine monitoring and oversight. District leaders also reiterated incentives for special education teachers, including a $15,000 stipend for ESSE teachers and a district-funded endorsement program for ASD with a six-year commitment requirement or repayment if a teacher leaves earlier.
Next steps: the district agreed to work with the union to examine enforcement practices, explore consistent application and discuss potential nonpunitive supports for staffing shortages.
