Board approves hiring of a licensed special education teacher to ease elementary caseloads

The board approved action item 5.2 to hire an additional fully licensed special education teacher for the elementary school beginning in January. The recommendation was introduced to address increased caseloads and turnover among paraprofessionals, which administrators said had left the special‑education team stretched thin (SEG 1650-1660; 1696-1704).

Board member Mr. Frelkeham, who introduced the recommendation, said the hire would “greatly help the elementary school with their caseload,” and district staff said the cost for one semester is expected to be minimal after a 60/40 split and categorical aid are applied (SEG 1674-1692; 1690-1694). The board approved the motion 7-0 after discussion and a second (SEG 1747-1752).

Administrators also noted difficulty recruiting fully licensed special educators and said the district had identified a candidate who is fully licensed and has community connections; the hiring action is intended to improve retention and reduce strain on existing staff (SEG 1722-1738).