In a recent Boyertown Area School Board meeting, key agreements regarding staffing and support services were discussed, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges within the district. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as board members addressed the needs of students and staff alike.

The meeting opened with a detailed overview of the CREST agreement, a three-year contract set to begin on July 1 and run through June 30, 2028. This agreement includes a notable $1.25 hourly wage increase for paraprofessionals, a move aimed at enhancing support for the district's most vulnerable students. The discussion revealed that this increase, while beneficial, was structured to be more cost-effective than previous raises, which would have included a 3% annual increase followed by the dollar raise. The board noted that this adjustment would help manage budget constraints while still providing necessary support.

However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of the wage increase. Board member Mrs. Scott pointed out that the district's pay rates for paraprofessionals are lower than those of nearby schools, suggesting that the current increase may not be sufficient to attract and retain quality staff. She emphasized the importance of having a robust workforce to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly in light of differentiated learning requirements.

The conversation then shifted to the Kelly Services agreement, which provides substitute teachers for the district. The only change in this contract was the addition of Extended School Year (ESY) teachers, reflecting the district's need for additional support based on student enrollment. Despite the addition, the rates for substitutes remained unchanged, prompting questions about the district's ability to fill these roles internally.

Lastly, the board discussed the GHR addendum, which pertains to staffing for school nurses. The rates for this service also remained stable, but the board expressed optimism about potentially being fully staffed with certified school nurses in the coming year, reducing reliance on external staffing services.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that while the district is making strides in securing agreements that support its educational mission, significant challenges remain in staffing and compensation that could impact student achievement. The board's commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming school year.