Pateros school board approves staff reductions

PATEROS – In a special Zoom meeting held on Monday, April 13, members of the Pateros school board voted to approve a Modified Educational Program Proposal that calls for staff reductions in compliance with a financial emergency resolution

The proposal will have the school maintain nine para-educator positions for the 2020-21 school year broken down into the following categories:

• Three special education positions working under the Special Education Para Educator job description.

• One special education position working under the One-on-One Special Education Para Educator job description.

• Five regular education positions working under the Regular Education Para Educator job description.

The district currently has 13 para-educators. Therefore, four para-educators will receive a reduction in force notification.

The Pateros School District plans to maintain one maintenance/bus driver position for the 2020-21 school year. The district currently has two maintenance/bus driver positions. Therefore, one maintenance/bus driver will receive a reduction in force notification. It is important to note that prior to exercising reduction in force as a cost saving measure, the district has implemented other cost saving measures including the following:

• Travel only by district vehicle.

• Reduction of services and contracts with ESD 17.

• Elimination of supplemental contracts for teachers teaching on a preparation period.

• Reduction by attrition of one teaching position.

• Reduction by attrition of one administrative position.

• A budget freeze on many purchases.

The board reviewed a draft of the letter that will be sent out this week to all families explaining the additional supports being put into place and changes to the grading system for the fourth quarter. This plan is a collaboration between administration and elementary and secondary staff.