Cambridge Springs teachers petition board after proposed reassignment of school psychologist

Tina Walsh, speaking on behalf of teachers and educational specialists in the district, presented a petition and spoke during public comment to oppose a proposed reassignment of school psychologist Britney Adkins from the Cambridge Springs attendance area to Maplewood.

Walsh, who identified herself as representing teachers and educational specialists and as signing on behalf of PAEA leadership present in the community, said she initially was uncertain the reassignment warranted a petition but changed her view after consulting staff who work daily in Cambridge Springs— programs. "When a school building has an emotional support program, a therapeutic support program, and services for the deaf and hard of hearing population, it's essential to involve the best people, particularly those who have worked together for a long time," Walsh said. She described daily crises the Cambridge team manages and said Adkins— relationships with parents, county agencies and local programs have taken years to build.

Walsh urged the board to consider the petition because she said the reassignment could set back established teams and slow access to services for students who rely on coordinated supports. The board acknowledged receipt of the petition; no formal personnel action was taken during the meeting. Board members did not vote on personnel assignment at that time, and the superintendent and appropriate staff will handle personnel processes according to district policy.

Walsh also earlier spoke at the committee-of-the-whole work session praising the district and noting community strengths and local school performance in regional rankings. Her public comment on the psychologist reassignment was the substantive citizen input on the agenda item.