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MCPS speech‑language pathologists and union say caseloads exceed contract goals, urge staffing changes
Summary
Related‑service providers and speech‑language pathologists testified that caseloads and workloads exceed contract 'goals' (1 SLP : 57 students) and described heavy reliance on contractors and virtual providers; the board heard multiple requests to revise staffing standards and prioritize related services in the budget.
Multiple speech‑language pathologists and union representatives told the Board of Education on Oct. 16 that current caseloads and workload demands for related‑service providers at Montgomery County Public Schools are unsustainable and directly harm students in special education.
Susie Jolley, identifying herself as the non‑school‑based director on the MCEA board of directors and a speech‑language pathologist, described caseloads that frequently exceed the contract chart "goal" of one SLP per 57 students and said the ratio in the contract is not an enforceable requirement but a target the district has refused to discuss in bargaining. "Many SLPs have caseloads far above this allocation," Jolley said, and staff are "drowning" under paperwork and group sizes that reduce individualized practice time for students.
Other commenters echoed that the district has relied increasingly on contractors and virtual providers, which they said weakens in‑building support and continuity. An SLP who identified caseloads of 64 students across two schools described behavioral issues and reduced therapy effectiveness when providers must combine students into large groups.
Board response and context: Board members thanked speakers and said staffing standards and professional staffing equity are issues the system needs to examine. Several members said they want to see staffing standards and how they are implemented and funded during budget deliberations.
Ending: Parents, union leaders and clinicians asked the board to prioritize related‑service providers in the forthcoming budget and to reopen conversations about staffing standards and the district’s use of contractors.
