BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

As part of the 2023-24 Parkland School District budget preparation process, Assistant Superintendent Timothy Chorones presented a list of new staff requests to the board at the March 21 meeting.

Chorones said the district wants to sustain the programs in place now, while also addressing increased enrollment overall and in specific areas.

He said a teacher is needed for a multiple disabilities class which will include up to eight students at the secondary level.

In a presentation at a March committee meeting, Director of Special Education Andrew Weber stated the administration is planning to place a new multiple disabilities classroom at Orefield Middle School. This class will move to the high school in the future.

Chorones requested three new paraprofessional positions for the multiple disabilities classroom.

He also noted a secondary special education teacher is needed to accommodate additional students.

Chorones then turned to the elementary level and requested three extra teachers be included in the budget due to increased enrollment.

He said it is a traditional procedure to have elementary positions budgeted to prepare for students moving into the district during the summer.

Some years they are not needed, but for 2022-23, all three positions were filled.

Chorones also requested three paraprofessionals and three health aides to provide for increased enrollment.

Turning to the matter of stipends, Chorones requested a head coach for the girls wrestling program and assistant coaches for boys and girls volleyball.

These positions are now filled by volunteers.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson stated the staff requests are all “essential positions we want to add.”

In another matter, the board approved Casey Troutman for the newly created position of supervisor of elementary food services at an annual salary of $72,000.

At a February committee meeting Director of Food Services Lori Seier requested two new individuals to assist with regulatory compliance, supervision, planning and continuity of service into the future.

Board members were reluctant to add two new administrators and decided to start with the elementary position this year, then consider hiring a secondary supervisor of food services next year, if needed. Payment of salaries and benefits will come from the cafeteria fund.

The board approved Arthur Oakes Jr. as director of facilities and operations, at an annual salary of $146,000 to replace David Keppel who is retiring. Oakes’ start date is yet to be determined.