Board considers a new 'student success' position funded by SIA dollars and debates qualifications

Perrydale SD 21’s board discussed a proposed ‘‘student success’’ position to be funded with Student Investment Account (SIA) and high‑school success dollars and debated the job’s qualifications and duties.

The superintendent described the position as focused on attendance, family engagement and support functions tied to the district improvement plan, noting it was created with SIA/high‑school success dollars. He said the role could be filled by someone with a license or via the district sublicense process for candidates who do not hold a four‑year degree.

Board members asked whether the position should require a bachelor’s degree or whether an associate’s degree (or district sublicense) would be acceptable. One board member said, ‘‘I think a bachelor's degree is pretty important,’’ while the superintendent suggested the district could ‘‘put in there about preference given to someone with their bachelor's degree’’ and still allow candidates without a degree under a district sublicense.

Why it matters: The position would handle student‑facing services (attendance, coordination of online classes and liaison duties) and could affect classroom coverage, salary structure (licensed vs. non‑licensed pay scale) and the district’s ability to meet upcoming state financial‑education requirements.

Discussion also covered training and onboarding: board members suggested contracting briefly with April (an experienced staff member) to train a new hire and help the position succeed in its first months by leveraging her trade‑school contacts and experience.

No vote was taken; board members requested further refinement of job language, salary implications and input from human resources before the position is posted.