Plum School District Special Education Paraprofessionals are Worried About Staffing Cuts

Special education paraprofessionals and parents in the Plum School District say if positions are cut, it would be a disservice to students.

At this week's school board meeting, paraprofessional Kim George represented a group of about 15 paraprofessionals—special education, personal care, instructional, library, swim and nurses—and addressed the board with their concerns.

She said the staff was cut from 66 to 48 last year, and she's afraid it will be cut even further to 33 by the time budget season is over.

"That counts for a 50-percent reduction in the paraprofessional staff in just basically two years," she said. "This will impact education for both special- and regular-education students.

"We urge the district to stop cuts to the paraprofessionals, to keep the education great at Plum and to give every child—no matter what their challenges are—a chance to thrive in the classroom and have a successful future."

She said the staff assist students who need individualized attention and help keep the classroom running smoothly for all students.

After the meeting, district business manager Eugene Marraccini said officials still are working on the budget. Though he didn't have specific numbers, he said there most likely would be some reductions in the department.

"We've had reductions all across the board," he said.

Marraccini said the district would continue to meet state requirements in accordance to student individualized education programs (IEPs).

Parent Lisa Bernardi spoke in favor of the paraprofessionals. She said they have helped her son grow and thrive in school.

"We need these individuals to provide support, hope, encouragement and most of all, confidence," she said.

Bernardi compared the role of paraprofessionals to that of an aid station for athletes during a race.

"You would never think to pull an aid station from a race when athletes run the course," she said. "I beg you, don't pull the aids from these students. They are only halfway through their race. They need to get to the finish line."