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Board debates outsourcing, paraeducator hours as special-education needs rise
Summary
Trustees discussed a $721,000 increase in special-education expenditures, concerns about outsourcing and the limitations of three-hour paraeducator positions, and urged the district to prioritize hiring to reduce turnover and ensure consistency for students with IEPs.
Board discussion over item 24 focused on special-education staffing needs, contract increases and whether the district should outsource support roles or invest in filling permanent positions.
CSEA president Martha Hadeghi and other members raised concerns that outside agencies are sometimes hired with limited screening and training. "When we are outsourcing through this agency, the employees are not properly screened, interviewed... All they get is fingerprints, and then they are dispersed to the district," Hadeghi said, urging stronger vetting and oversight. Board members and staff acknowledged the short-term necessity of using contractors when positions are vacant but some trustees pressed for structural changes to paraeducator hours to make the positions more attractive and to fill vacancies internally.
Trustees noted a $721,000 net increase in one special-education line and discussed adding school psychologists and other classifications to address testing and counseling needs. Several board members urged rethinking three-hour paraeducator slots, saying expanded hours (six- or eight-hour roles) would improve recruitment, retention and continuity of care for students with IEPs. The board approved the pulled 24-series items after discussion, and several members requested that the staffing model be addressed in a future policy or committee study.
