Frustrated school board debates hiring paraprofessionals

Hiring paraprofessionals for six elementary schools sparked a spirited debate between governing board members in the Maricopa Unified School District Wednesday night.

The decision to hire the additional classroom aides was tabled by the board for a future meeting to allow them time to discuss where else $156,000 in Title I money could be spent throughout the district.

Originally, district officials recommended the board members approve the hiring of six paraprofessionals to assist classrooms within its elementary schools. These positions would have been funded by Title I.

The federal program provides financial assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to assist in meeting state academic standards, according to the U.S. Department of Education website. The money can be used for instructional aide like curriculum, support personnel and technology.

Surprised board members expressed frustration at the recommendation because the hires were not previously finalized as a funding priority during the budget process last spring.

“I am uncomfortable as a board member spending $156,000 of district money without understanding the full picture of where it can be used and what it can be used for, before I determine what the priority is for that money,” said AnnaMarie Knorr, board vice president.

Board members questioned whether research had been conducted before the recommendation had been made, and why the recommendation targeted only the elementary level.

“What other instructional aide do our schools need K through 12? Not just elementary,” said Board member Torri Anderson. “I’m telling you, our secondary schools are struggling, and we’ve got teachers that are so frustrated because their class sizes are still large and they could certainly use a para as well.”

Board member Gary Miller said teachers from Santa Rosa Elementary had expressed a desire for more support staff during a recent visit.

Teachers district-wide are adjusting to a learning curve brought on by the adoption of math curriculum in August.

As presented by middle school math teachers Wednesday night, one of the curriculum’s biggest hurdles is the large technology component which requires students to complete much of their coursework online.

“I know with a lot of our curriculum changing we are hearing a lot about that change, and I think more support in the classroom with a human being versus a computer will be our money well-spent,” Miller said.

MUSD Superintendent Steve Chestnut said in previous years the annual allocation of Title I funds was usually spent on math curriculum, but that money was freed in 2017 after the district’s recent curriculum purchase from its reserve funds.

The board agreed they supported more personnel support in the district’s schools, but argued there were other priorities the district, its teachers, parents and community members had put at the top of the list during budget talks.

The recommendation to hire support staff was made by Director of Teaching and Learning Krista Roden to balance the technology in the classroom with people, Chestnut said.

“I have no problem with her having to come back and give us all of the details,” Chestnut said.

The board is expected to continue the discussion during its next meeting at the District Administration Office Jan. 10.