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Parents and colleagues urge Flambeau board to revisit midterm cut to 4YK paraprofessional
Summary
Multiple parents and teachers asked the Flambeau School District board to reconsider eliminating a 4-year-old kindergarten paraprofessional position seven weeks into the school year, saying the change harms student transitions and continuity; the board asked administration to investigate and report back.
Several parents and staff urged the Flambeau School District Board of Education on Oct. 23 to address the elimination of a 4YK paraprofessional position, a cut the employee and supporters said was made for budget reasons seven weeks into the school year.
Tracy Volk, the paraprofessional whose position was eliminated, described her history with the district and asked the board why the job was cut “seven weeks into the school year.” Elizabeth Schmidt spoke on Volk’s behalf and teacher Heather Isham read a letter supporting Volk’s work in early childhood classrooms. Parent Courtney Macholl said the change disrupted her child’s transition and noted that 4YK test scores are lower than in other districts.
Board President Ted Alberson later moved that administration review and address public concerns about the 4YK situation and return to the board with options; the motion carried after the board adopted the district budget later in the meeting. District Administrator Erica Schley did not commit to rehiring in the moment but confirmed administration would look into the concerns and timing.
Teachers and commenters also raised compensation and workload questions tied to ACT20 requirements. Veteran teacher Teresa Steckel asked whether not paying teachers for additional ACT20 work would be beneficial, arguing compensation affects staff retention in early grades. The board did not take immediate personnel action during public comment but instructed administration to follow up.
