Appleton presents service for consideration to the SCCBOE

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, May 13, 2014

The St. Clair County Board of Education held a special-called work session last week to hear a presentation on hiring paraprofessionals through an outside company called Appleton Educational Services. 

A representative from Appleton, Sonya Robinson, spoke before the board on Thursday. She said that the company offers many services but for St. Clair the focus would be on assigning paraprofessionals, which would be hired through Appleton. Paraprofessionals are teacher aides that assist in several needs throughout schools. 

There are many companies like Appleton that do outside hiring for schools at no cost. But according to Robinson the thing that sets Appleton apart is training. “Unlike traditional staffing companies, Appleton is also a nationally recognized School Solutions company,” said Robinson. “We understand schools and the unique circumstances and issues they encounter. It is our job to provide high quality, cost effective solutions reduce the administrative burden on districts and improve educational outcomes.” 

Appleton does strive for the greatest outcomes possible. All of their employees are exposed to extensive training and are screened for educational understanding. This asset could provide more educationally focused paraprofessionals for the school system. 

Another positive is that this option would save the school system some money. However, the newly hired paraprofessionals brought on through Appleton would not receive a retirement plan, which is currently offered to paraprofessionals hired through the school board. Despite this change, all employees of Appleton are offered health, dental and various other insurances.

No decisions were made Thursday night as to whether the board would implement Appleton into the school system. Superintendent Jenny Seals said that all board members would consider the option and they would make plans to discuss the matter at a future work session.