The number of parapros being rehired for the 2007-2008 school year has been reduced. Some are being assigned to other jobs.

Eight parapros from each school could be let go while the district still tries to ensure the schools’ security. Though the supervision system at GBS has been reconfigured to require fewer parapros, the addition of security cameras is a possibility.

Many GBS parapros disagreed with the decision, calling it “[short-sighted]” and “a big mistake.”

One parapro said, “Cameras will give you an after-image but they can’t do anything to stop students from doing something they’re not supposed to do. Cameras can’t break up a fight.”

Glenbrook South had 25 parapros this year, meaning that next year only 17 will be providing the same supervision. The layoffs were done by seniority, meaning the newest parapros to the districg were the first to go, although some of the eight being fired have been at South for more than three years. In April, the aforementioned eight were called to talk with Dean of Students Jim Torsiello and Principal Brian Wegley to be told that they would be losing their jobs.

“These are wonderful people that we value and care about. This is definitely not an easy thing,” Wegley said.

Before the referendum was passed it was estimated that ten GBS teachers would be laid off. Thanks to the funding the referendum provides, three additional teachers will be hired instead. In addition, many new classrooms and a student center will be built. Parapros are hence questioning why they are being targeted as one of the few things to be cut.

Another parapro speculated, “It looks like they care more about the building than the people in it.”

Since the referendum passed, the school district has reexamined its spending and funds distribution.

Student opinion ranges from indifferent to excited.

“I think it’s awesome that there’s going to be less parapros”, said senior, Ravi Patel, “I like how [the district] isn’t just spending all the referendum money on more people. They’re actually doing what’s best for the school.”

AJ Feretti, staff reporter