Board presses staff on substitute and paraprofessional costs amid staffing changes

Board members spent a substantial portion of the budget review examining staffing contingency lines for paraprofessionals, substitutes and custodial coverage. The presenter said the board recently approved 10 additional para positions and that, despite the higher authorized headcount, the substitute‑para budget can still be elevated because vacancies and special‑education coverage create recurring substitute needs.

The presenter estimated an approximate 80% fill rate for para vacancies on a typical day and said the substitute para pool is small (roughly 16 substitute paras, six of whom are also licensed teachers and therefore often fill teacher openings first). That mix increases substitute costs and can leave schools short‑staffed when multiple vacancies coincide.

Custodial substitute spending drew pointed questions from board members, who characterized the custodial sub line as "a little high." The presenter explained custodial sub funds cover unexpected call‑ins, long‑term absences and required coverage for nights or special events; staff agreed to provide a more detailed unpacking of that line item for the February meeting.

The presenter also flagged that central office had shifted some nursing costs from contracted VNAs to in‑house payroll earlier in the prior year, producing a residual change in the nursing line; staff estimated potential savings of roughly $80,000 if certain roles were hired rather than contracted, but said some contracted services remain necessary to meet one‑to‑one needs.

Next steps: staff will return with a more detailed breakdown of para/substitute pools, the custodial sub line, and any opportunities to reduce overlap between teacher substitutes and para coverage.