Board approves $2 paraprofessional differential; members press for broader wage review

The Millersburg Area School District board approved a $2‑per‑hour pay differential for paraprofessionals Bree Smith and Morgan Long through the end of the school year, and then engaged in an extended discussion about paraprofessional staffing levels and starting wages.

A board member asked why the board should approve the differential now when Morgan Long has resigned; district staff replied that the differential will be applied retroactively for the semester she worked because a mistake had been discovered. The motion to approve the differential was moved and seconded and carried.

Multiple board members pressed the administration on whether the district should raise the paraprofessional starting wage from $13 to $15 an hour to reduce turnover. One member asked bluntly, "Why can't we just keep them at the $15 an hour?" Administration responded that when salaries were realigned several years ago the starting rate was set to be competitive with surrounding districts, and that many paraprofessionals receive the same negotiated percentage increases as teachers. Patrick in the business office said changing the starting wage would require a broader review of compensation bands and a budget adjustment.

Board members requested that staff provide data on paraprofessional turnover and salary ranges for the next budget cycle; staff said they would examine the numbers and return with recommendations. The discussion distinguished the temporary differential (approved for specific employees) from any district‑wide, permanent wage increase that would need to be studied and budgeted.

The board's action on the differential and the instruction to review pay practices were the primary outcomes from the conversation.