Community turns out to support paraprofessionals in Vernon

Photo by Chris Dehnel

The fate of paraprofessionals in Vernon was the subject of the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Many parents turned out along with paras and teachers to make their feelings heard that they want paraprofessionals in the classrooms.

The Vernon Board of Education had originally proposed cutting $88,000 from the budget which would have eliminated four positions. After hearing from speakers school board member Michelle Arn moved that $237,000 be put back into the account. This would have fully funded all of the paraprofessional positions needed in Vernon.

After a lengthy discussion among board members, she withdrew the motion and then moved for putting $100,000 back into the $1.492 million line item that funds paraprofessionals. Currently there 148 paraprofessionals. The additional funding would add another 12 to the system, still short of full staffing.

"While we remain hopeful that the administration will honor their word and hire more paraprofessionals, the reality is that right now there aren't enough paraprofessionals in the schools," said Eric Bailey, spokesperson for AFT Connecticut, the union representing Vernon Paras. "Paraprofessionals have one of the toughest and most important jobs. They provide one-on-one instruction for special needs students which is a vital part of ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Paraprofessionals also offer assistance to students throughout each classroom, enhancing the work of the teachers. If the superintendent, administrators and Board of Education are truly committed to providing quality education to all Vernon students, they will ensure that every classroom has a paraprofessional."

On Feb 6 the Board of Education is scheduled to approve the 2012-13 budget. A public comment session will be included.

On Feb. 10, the education budget is to be delivered to the town.