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Board approves new special education teacher position after cooperative reliance and paraeducator shortages noted
Summary
Trustees approved creating an additional Special Education Teacher position and heard that the Special Education Cooperative will continue contracting paraeducator services amid staffing shortages and higher contracted costs.
Trustees on July 30 approved creation of an additional Special Education Teacher position at Fort Sam Houston Elementary School after staff outlined ongoing paraeducator shortages and cooperative arrangements. The motion to create the position was made by Board Member Andrea Nicholas and seconded by Secretary Dr. LaToya E. Sizer; the Board approved it unanimously.
Director of Special Education Dr. Saleha Sultan and Assistant Superintendent Julie Novak explained that paraeducator shortages remain the district’s most notable staffing challenge. The presentation said, "Most notable for special education paraeducators; increased need for these positions to meet student IEP (Individualized Education Program). The Special Education Cooperative contracted for paraeducator services in 2023-2024 and will continue for 2024-2025," and that contracted services can be more costly than direct payroll but are partially offset by state TEA High Cost Funds grant reimbursements. The action to add an in-district Special Education Teacher is intended to bolster capacity while the cooperative arrangement continues to fill gaps.
Board members expressed appreciation for the Special Education Cooperative and emphasized the need to balance immediate student support with sustainable staffing and budget considerations.
