Parent tells board Washington School ERI class lacks permanent teacher; district says hiring is top priority
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Summary
A parent told the board a Washington School emotional regulation impairment (ERI) classroom has had no permanent teacher since August; a district official said the position has been posted since May, providers have been contacted and interviews are scheduled.
Dana Simons, a Nutley resident and parent of a fourth‑grade student placed in a small‑group emotional regulation impairment (ERI) class at Washington School, told the board the classroom lacked a permanent teacher weeks into the school year and asked what the district would do to ensure stability.
"This position was posted back in May, yet here we are a month into the school year and these students still don't have the stability that they need," Simons said. She described schedule confusion at the start of the year, multiple short‑term substitutes, and the importance of continuity for the vulnerable group.
Mr. Bader (district official) responded that the vacancy is the district's "number 1 priority," that he checks in daily and that there are interviews scheduled. He acknowledged the posting has been open since May and said that external providers the district contacted have struggled to fill the role. "We are hopeful that we will find someone appropriate and deserving for this position very shortly," he said, and apologized for inconsistency.
Simons said her child has transitioned into general education for most subjects but continues to need small‑group math support in the ERI class. Board discussion did not produce a formal motion; the superintendent's office indicated hiring interviews were underway and that the district would continue to prioritize placement and classroom stability.
