During a recent government meeting, school district officials addressed ongoing staffing challenges, particularly in the areas of psychology and special education services. The discussions highlighted a significant reliance on contracted services due to a shortage of qualified professionals, particularly bilingual psychologists, which has made it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of students.

Officials noted that many contracted psychologists are only available to work part-time, typically three to four days a week, which complicates the district's ability to provide consistent services. The district currently employs approximately 6 to 15 school psychologists, but the demand for services often exceeds the available staff. This has led to the necessity of hiring outside contractors, which is more costly than hiring full-time employees.

The meeting also revealed that the district is facing financial pressures, with rising salaries and benefits making it challenging to maintain staffing levels. As the costs associated with special education continue to grow, officials are exploring ways to attract more professionals to the district, including potential negotiations with teachers' unions to offer more competitive compensation.

In addition to addressing staffing shortages, the district approved a new two-year contract with the Center for Physical Therapy and Exercise to provide athletic training services at the high school level. This decision was made in light of the urgent need for qualified personnel to ensure student safety and well-being.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing necessary services despite the challenges posed by staffing shortages and budget constraints. The officials expressed hope that by improving recruitment efforts and exploring flexible compensation options, they could better meet the needs of their students moving forward.