Cromwell board hears of special-education teacher departures amid statewide shortage; recruiting ongoing

The Cromwell Board of Education was told three special-education teacher positions are currently vacant and that recruiting remains difficult because of a statewide shortage.

Michelle, the district staff member who presented personnel updates, said two special-education teachers left positions at the high school and one left an elementary post. Reasons cited in the meeting included personal circumstances, a move to a job closer to home and one departure for which no reason was provided. Michelle said the district is advertising widely — on job boards, at colleges and on LinkedIn — and has active interviews underway.

Board members and staff noted the broader market forces. A board member who identified himself as a special-education teacher said he had received numerous recruiting emails from other districts and that districts were offering sign-on stipends; he reported receiving about 10 recruitment emails in two weeks and said at least two districts offered $5,000 sign-on bonuses. Michelle said some candidates reported salary differences of roughly $20,000 would be decisive for returning to a prior district.

Staff said they will continue recruitment, consider bargaining negotiations (including whether to propose targeted incentives for shortage areas), and post remaining internal positions. Board members asked for updates on hires before the start of school; staff said they had candidates in process but acknowledged national and state shortages in special education and paraeducator roles.