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Staffing and course concerns surface at Collingswood meeting as CPSA and CEA ask for administrative hires
Summary
CPSA and CEA leaders and parents urged the board to fill key administrative vacancies and to address teacher retention and cuts to elective and AP courses. The board approved routine personnel items while community members identified the recent resignation of the high school assistant principal among several recent departures.
Several public commenters pressed the board on staffing levels and the district—s handling of recent administrative resignations and teacher departures.
CPSA and CEA statements
"It is important for the board of education and the public at large know that the decision to not replace Mr. Whelan leaves our buildings with reduced safety, security and efficiency," David Oliveri, CPSA president, said. Oliveri and Mark Wiltsie (CPSA vice president) asked the board to post and fill the high school assistant principal position for 2025——26 and to include CPSA leadership in planning conversations about facilities reconfiguration and other big changes.
Robin Hogan, president of the Collingswood Education Association, told the board the union supports CPSA—s request and urged the district to take steps to stop a trend of teachers leaving the district. "We are very concerned that we start taking steps that are going to change their current environment," Hogan said.
Parents, students and staff concerns about course availability
Parents and students described the practical effects of teacher turnover and course reductions. One parent urged the board to consider the perspectives of long-time teachers and to involve them in planning; another parent and a current student described students who were left with online AP Physics and Calculus BC options after instructors left.
"I do independent study journalism," student Clara Carlson said in public comment, "but because I don't have a class to learn with ... I don't learn as much as I should." Students and parents asked the district to restore critical courses where there is sustained student interest.
Personnel actions and board approval
The board approved personnel agenda items (resignations, leaves, hires, substitutes and stipends) listed in the personnel committee portion of the agenda. Administrators thanked departing staff (including the assistant principal who resigned) and said the district has posted multiple positions and is actively recruiting; for some hard-to-fill roles the district posted a long-term substitute as a contingency while continuing to seek a permanent hire.
Why it matters: Parents and bargaining units said losing experienced administrators and teachers affects school climate, student supports and course continuity. CPSA asked to be part of planning for major facilities and structural changes to ensure administrators and supervisors understand operational needs.
Next steps: The board did not change hiring policy at the meeting; administrators said they would continue active recruitment, post vacancies, and pursue long-term substitute coverage where needed while reporting back to the board on recruitment progress.
