Please be advised that there will be another reduction in force (RIF) of the paraprofessional unit. Both Regina Jagoo and John Napolitani have been working feverishly to see to it that as many paraprofessionals are brought back in their capacity as positions open. This second RIF orginally started out with 14 people. It was subsequently reduced to 12 people. 4 of those paraprofessionals have been brought back as bilingual paraprofessionals. 2 have been brought back as regular paraprofessionals. This leaves the final list at 6 people. We have been informed that the Special Education Department is in the process of working through their numbers of students who have been recommended to the Child Study Team. It is our hope that some of these positions will be restored as soon as they finalize their numbers.
Under no circumstances does the APEA feel that this is warranted at such a late date. We feel as though these positions should remain as they are and the paraprofessionals should be placed in other positions within the district. We find this extremely unfair and unprofessional to do this to our staff members that are also community members at such a late date in time. We will continue to work to get everyone back that has been RIF’d.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the APEA Headquarters and we will return your call as soon as possible.