Teacher Matthew Egren criticizes safety issues and bureaucratic workload in LPS

During the recent Lewiston Public Schools (LPS) School Committee meeting, pressing concerns regarding safety and staff workload were brought to the forefront by educators, highlighting significant challenges faced within the district.

Matthew Egren, a teacher from Ward 4, expressed frustration over the lack of timely responses to safety issues in schools, emphasizing that waiting until the end of the school year to address these problems is unacceptable. He recounted alarming incidents, including a student colliding with an educational technician and another staff member sustaining an injury from a student throwing objects. Egren pointed out that the current system places the burden on teachers to report incidents and seek resolutions, which he believes is inadequate for ensuring a safe learning environment.

In addition to safety concerns, Egren criticized the overwhelming bureaucratic workload imposed on teachers. He argued that the extensive administrative tasks detract from valuable teaching time, stating that teachers are often required to complete unnecessary paperwork that does not contribute to student learning. He highlighted the inefficiency of conducting monthly reading assessments for each student, which he believes consumes time that could be better spent on direct instruction.

Egren called for a reevaluation of the district's expectations, urging the administration to prioritize the mental and physical well-being of staff. He suggested that providing teachers with more time for planning and teaching could lead to improved educational outcomes. His remarks underscored a growing divide between the experiences of frontline educators and the perceptions of district administration, suggesting a need for more meaningful dialogue and action to address these critical issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for the administration to acknowledge these realities and take steps to improve conditions for both students and staff, emphasizing that the current approach is unsustainable. As the school year progresses, the committee faces the challenge of addressing these concerns to foster a safer and more effective educational environment.