Hall Prairie plans major staff cuts impacting student programs and services

The Perrysburg Exempted Village School District held a special Board of Education meeting on December 12, 2024, to discuss significant staffing reductions and their implications for the upcoming school year. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by Hall Prairie Elementary as it prepares to cut several key positions due to budget constraints.

Principal of Hall Prairie, during the meeting, expressed concerns about the reduction of secretarial staff from three to two, which will hinder the office's ability to manage the needs of approximately 930 students. This change is expected to slow down response times and affect daily operations significantly. The principal emphasized that the secretaries play a crucial role in setting the tone for the school environment and managing communications with parents and students.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the impact of reducing study hall monitors from four to two. This change will increase class sizes in core subjects such as math and English Language Arts by four to six students, potentially affecting the quality of instruction. The principal noted that the loss of intervention specialists, particularly those working with diverse learners, would further concentrate students with special needs into fewer classrooms, which could strain resources and support.

The discussion also touched on the elimination of various extracurricular activities and clubs, which are vital for student engagement and leadership development. With a budget cut of $13.5 million, the district is forced to prioritize core curriculum instruction over enrichment activities. This means that many after-school programs, including band, orchestra, and art shows, will be discontinued, limiting opportunities for students to participate in creative and leadership roles.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the difficult decisions facing the Perrysburg Exempted Village School District as it navigates significant budget cuts. The reductions in staff and extracurricular activities are expected to have a profound impact on the educational experience for students, raising concerns about the long-term effects on the school community. The district will need to find ways to maintain educational quality while managing these financial challenges.