Tensions and voices rose at Mt. Pleasant school board meeting

MT. PLEASANT — Tensions were high at the Mt. Pleasant School Board meeting Monday over paraeducator pay concerns.

Steve English of Mt. Pleasant addressed the board concerning para pay with consideration to his own previous experience as a para.

“Paras are vital to the need for effective education,” English said.

He urged the board, in front of a room full of parents, community members, and school employees, to increase para pay in the Mt. Pleasant school district.

According to English, when paras are not paid living wages they feel overlooked, undervalued, and under appreciated and this causes a loss in relational consistency for students.

“It’s just hard when you see what they’re making at McDonald’s and Walmart,” English said.

Once English finished speaking board member Jennifer Crull thanked him and business continued as scheduled.

One mother did not feel that the topic had been adequately discussed.

“Excuse me, but I think we need to go back to para issue,” mom and former para Krista Arnold said.

Crull attempted to shut down the conversation, but voices grew louder between the two.

“You lost an employee of seven years,” Arnold said.

It is Arnold’s son, who benefits from para services, that compelled her to speak up as she believes her son deserves para consistency and poor pay is a major culprit for the loss of good employees.

However, Crull ended put an end to the para pay conversation due to Arnold speaking out of turn.

The meeting returned to the anticipated agenda.

Near the end of the meeting, the board announced they would be entering a closed session for a negotiating discussion.

At the mention of the closed session the crowd began to shift.

Board member Willy Amos took this opportunity to address the crowd.

Amos attempted to explain standard operating procedure within school boards pertaining to financial distributions and closed session requirements.

He went on to explain that union involvement made the topic of para pay much more complex of an issue to tackle.

After acknowledging the unease of hearing how the school district is spending money on new computers and structural improvements, Amos explained that funds can only be used for their designated purposes.

Amos stated that the funds used in other areas of the districts could not be reallocated.

“We can’t touch it or someone will go to jail,” Amos said lightheartedly which did garner a quiet laugh from the whole room.

“I appreciate you clearing that up,” Arnold said in response to Amos’ efforts.

Another woman in the crowd, however, challenged Amos asking how other districts were able to pay their paras more.

The problem with para pay still persisted at the close of the meeting, but those in attendance were given information to assist in next steps.

The next Regular School Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13, at 6 p.m.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com