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Teacher tells Burlington board staffing cuts left classrooms scrambling; superintendent says staffing is stabilizing
Summary
At the Aug. 25 meeting, teacher Lindsey Paul urged the board to 'put staff always' — citing position eliminations and late rehiring that disrupted classrooms; Superintendent reported higher‑than‑expected kindergarten enrollment, late hires filled positions and para pay increases, and said staffing is stronger than a year ago.
Lindsey Paul, a Burlington teacher and district graduate, told the school board Aug. 25 that recent personnel decisions had left teachers, custodians and administrators scrambling and that cuts to positions serving high‑need students put those pupils at risk.
"Eliminating positions in March just to be brought back 2 weeks before the school year, putting everyone from administration to teachers to custodians in a scramble is not putting students first," Paul said during public comment, urging the board to visit elementary schools, question the HR report and 'respond with your actions.'
Board members acknowledged the comments and the superintendent responded later in the meeting with staffing and enrollment figures. Superintendent Scott said the district enrolled over 240 kindergarten students this year — about 20 more than high‑end planning numbers — and noted the district has hired for late openings, including certified teachers filling classrooms rather than long‑term substitutes in several cases.
Scott said the district reduced roughly six positions last year, including two administrators, but has restored at least one elementary teacher position and increased paraeducator pay by nearly $2 at the starting wage, contributing to improved staffing levels compared with the prior year. He also said the district is monitoring para status and other openings.
The board did not take formal action on Paul’s specific requests during the meeting; members thanked her for speaking and invited continued staff‑board dialogue and school visits.
Next steps: the superintendent indicated continued staffing follow‑up and that district finance and staffing reports will be shared with the board.
