Kaneland cites lack of need in layoffs of classroom workers
The Kaneland school board gave notice Monday to 15 paraprofessional workers and teaching assistants that it may not need them next school year.
Less need by students who have individualized education plans, according to a recent audit, is the primary reason, according to human resources director Chris Adkins.
"Our IEP students have had a variety of successes across the district ... students are doing what they are supposed to do, in needing less adult assistance," Adkins said.
That accounts for most of the layoff notices. The district has also decided, based on programming and budget needs, to have one fewer Response to Intervention paraprofessional at Harter Middle School.
The people being laid off include five at Kaneland John Stewart Elementary, three at Kaneland High, three at Kaneland Blackberry Elementary, and one apiece at Kaneland John Stewart Elementary, Kaneland McDole Elementary and Harter.
The Small World preschool run by the Fox Valley Career Center is also losing one.
They account for about 20 percent of the district's 74 paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals help students master content, such as through tutoring, and assist with classroom management, such as organizing instructional materials. Since 2013, Illinois has required licenses for most paraprofessionals, unless they already have a teaching license.
The individuals have first dibs on coming back if the district later determines it needs more paraprofessionals, per the terms of a support-workers-union contract with the district.
Other business
• The board also set the fee charged for drivers' education for the 2018-19 school year at $250, the maximum allowed by law. State law sets the fee at $50, but allows a district to charge up to $250 if it has a public hearing on the matter. The district estimates that it spends about $1,542 per student enrolled in the drivers' education laboratory.
Board member Pedro Rivas asked why district administrators still believe the district should offer drivers' education. The district could cut it.
Superintendent Todd Leden said it is because of a lack of private driving schools in the district, and because of the high school's rural location. Many of its students drive to school, often on country roads and rural highways, so learning on them is helpful, according to Leden.