Teachers' union and residents warn of mass resignations, criticize transfers and hiring; students and staff urge board to prioritize classrooms

Teachers, school staff and community members told the Newburgh Board of Education on June 10 that mass resignations and unfilled teacher positions are harming students and that recent personnel decisions and reassignments are destabilizing buildings.

Stacy Moran, president of the Newburgh Teachers Association, told the board that 39 NTA members have resigned so far this school year and that the district is struggling to fill vacancies. "These vacancies are not just numbers. They represent lost opportunities for the children of Newberg," Moran said, listing vacancies among psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, speech teachers and foreign-language teachers and saying there were 50 unfilled teaching positions at the time of her remarks.

Why it matters: The staffing shortages and proposed abolishments and reassignments were central to public comments and underpinned opposition to several HR resolutions that the board approved or amended later in the meeting.

Key points raised by speakers

- Resignations and vacancies: Stacy Moran (Newburgh Teachers Association) said…