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Board approves ongoing stipends for part‑time paras and adopts wellness, meal‑charging policy revisions
Summary
On motions carried Monday, the Ellington Board approved ongoing stipends for part‑time paraprofessionals performing toileting/behavior duties, and approved second‑read revisions to Policy 5970 (wellness) and Policy 5350 (meal charging). The board also discussed rising unpaid lunch balances and an automatic debit option under review.
The Ellington Board of Education voted to approve ongoing stipends for part‑time paraprofessionals who perform toileting and behavioral duties, and on second read approved revisions to two district policies: Policy 5970 (wellness) and Policy 5350 (meal charging).
"We follow the policy state all of that," a policy committee member said while discussing meal‑charging mechanics and the district's obligation to avoid shaming students. The committee reported unpaid school lunch balances have risen to about $32,000 this year compared with roughly $16,000 last year, and staff said families can pay by check at school or the district is exploring voluntary automatic debit to keep accounts current.
The finance committee recommended the stipend action after reviewing parity between full‑time and part‑time paraprofessionals who perform equivalent duties. The board moved to approve the stipends; a second was recorded and the motion carried on a voice vote.
Both policy revisions were approved on motions and voice votes. The meal‑charging revision follows panel discussion stressing nonpunitive collection methods and operational options to reduce arrears.
Board members asked staff to produce a detailed report on stipend payouts and to bring a summary of salary step impacts and year‑end hiring numbers to the finance committee in September.
