SLCSD Board Study Session - 2-17-2026

The Salt Lake City School District Board held a study session on February 17, 2026, focusing on paraprofessionals in both general and special education roles. The discussion centered on staffing levels, funding allocations, and retention challenges for paraprofessionals, particularly in special education. Board members reviewed detailed data on paraprofessional classifications, hourly wage ranges, and expenditures by school. They addressed the high turnover rate, especially among part-time paraprofessionals, and explored the potential benefits and trade-offs of increasing full-time positions despite budget constraints. The session also covered the impact of paraprofessional turnover on student support and classroom stability, the role of substitutes, and the importance of exit interviews to understand attrition causes. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of leveraging volunteers, including retired educators, to support classrooms, noting the need for structured training and coordination. No formal votes or contract awards were reported, but the board expressed intent to continue this conversation in future meetings and consider funding strategies to improve paraprofessional stability and support.