Schools in desperate need of paraprofessionals, substitutes

The district is in dire need of paraprofessionals at each school.

Not only has it been difficult to fill the positions, retaining staff has added to the problem since people can often make more in other jobs.

“Paraprofessionals are – sometimes we call them ‘aides’ – they help out with kids, particularly right now,” said Bob Davis, assistant principal for the high school and middle school. “We have a lot of intensive-needs kids. A lot of them need a lot of one-on-one help.”

Intensive-needs children can have trouble with educational, emotional or physical issues, Davis said. They benefit from on...