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Board approves addition of one special education teacher amid paraprofessional shortages
Summary
Superintendent 'Dylan' told the board the district is down six elementary paraprofessionals with no applicants this year and recommended funding one special education teacher; the board approved the hire unanimously to support co‑teaching and keep students in general education.
The Le Sueur‑Henderson School District board voted unanimously to add one special education teacher after the superintendent presented a staffing proposal citing a severe shortage of paraprofessionals.
"This year, we are currently down six paraprofessionals in the elementary and have had zero applicants for those six positions," the superintendent identified as Dylan said, framing the request as a response to unmet student support needs. He told the board that paraprofessionals deliver specialized instruction planned by teachers but cannot design instruction or manage data; adding a licensed special education teacher, he said, would allow more students to remain in general education and enable co‑teaching models.
Board members asked for clarification about whether positions would be eliminated; administration responded the proposal is intended to plug gaps where paraprofessionals cannot be hired and is not a personnel cut. The superintendent outlined supervision plans for playgrounds and adjustments to teacher supervision and prep schedules to ensure coverage.
On a motion recorded as coming from Darren Green, the board approved hiring the additional special education teacher; the vote was unanimous. Administration said further schedule adjustments and staffing details will be worked out and reported back to the board.
