Milan School Board Recognizes Paraprofessionals, Updates Policy

The Milan Area Schools Board of Education recognized paraprofessionals and approved adult education graduates Wednesday.

The board opened the April 8 meeting by adopting a resolution recognizing April 3 as Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. The resolution described paraprofessionals as essential to student success and thanked them for supporting instruction, helping meet students’ daily needs and contributing to safe, welcoming schools.

Board Secretary Sara Meray called paraprofessionals “an integral piece of what we do here” and said they make students’ education possible.

The board also approved the district’s 2026-27 meeting dates and adult education graduates, contingent on the completion of all graduation requirements. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 20 at Milan High School.

Board members also approved a policy update correcting the district’s written target for its unassigned general fund balance. Cassie Prior said the board had been consistently discussing a 10% fund balance, but the written policy still listed the goal as 5%. The revised policy now reflects the 10% target.

During public comment, parents raised concerns about student safety, communication with families and paraprofessional retention.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Bookout updated the board on spring testing across the district, including M-STEP testing at Symons Elementary, PSAT and SAT testing at the secondary level and the district’s first use of the new WIN Work Readiness Assessment for 11th graders. She also said parent feedback forms for current Paddock and Symons families would be sent out early next week to help building teams prepare classroom placements for next school year, with an April 24 deadline for responses.

Superintendent Ryan McMahon also shared updates on recent choir festival results, upcoming appreciation days, the district’s stakeholder survey window from April 20 through May 8, and school-of-choice applications for next year. He also reminded the community about the next Big Red Chat with the Board, set for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at Symons Elementary. The district describes the chats as an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions, raise concerns and speak with up to three board members at a time.

During board member comments, trustees highlighted upcoming district events, including the high school chamber choir’s appearance at state choral festival, the middle school production of Newsies later this month and the adult education graduation ceremony in May.