Alden Elementary principal warns cuts to reading interventionists would harm struggling students

Rebecca Long, principal of Alden Elementary School, told meeting attendees that eliminating or reducing elementary reading interventionists would leave struggling readers without targeted support and make it harder for them to catch up.

"Literacy is the foundation of all learning," Long said. "Without strong reading skills, students will struggle in every subject, limiting their ability to grow academically and reach their full potential." She said reading specialists at the elementary level provide targeted interventions for struggling readers and that cutting those positions would have "serious consequences."

Long said classroom teachers are already balancing diverse student needs and would be "stretched even thinner" if interventionists were reduced or removed. "The fewer intervention specialists we have, the fewer opportunities struggling students will have to receive the support necessary to succeed," she said. She added that without robust intervention services, early signs of academic struggles or behavioral challenges may go unaddressed and could lead to more significant issues later.

Long closed her remarks by urging continued investment in school staff and students. "Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and reach their potential. Maintaining high quality education in Duxbury means investing in our schools, our staff, and most importantly, our children," she said.

The transcript does not specify which meeting agenda item Long addressed, which governing body was considering changes to intervention staffing, nor any proposed staffing or budget figures.