Overview: During the latest meeting of the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva School Board, discussions centered around the critical role of paraprofessionals within the district, ongoing salary negotiations, and anticipated reductions in state funding. Parents, teachers, and paraprofessionals collectively emphasized the indispensable contributions of paraprofessionals, urging the board to consider a substantial wage increase to ensure their retention and continued support for students with complex needs. Meanwhile, the board also grappled with potential financial shortfalls due to expected reductions in special education and compensatory aid from the state, complicating the district’s fiscal planning.