Board approves posting for full‑time elementary special education teacher after enrollment rise

The Bangor School Board voted to authorize the district to post a full‑time elementary special education teacher after administrators said special‑education enrollment and program needs had increased since spring.

Administration told the board the district had previously staffed three special‑education teachers (K–1, grades 2–3 and grades 4–5) and later reduced to two as numbers dipped; district counts have since risen. In presentation of the request, the administrator explained the change has strained scheduling and collaborative planning and said the goal was to hire a ‘‘quality viable candidate’’ if feasible within the budget. The administration asked for board permission to post the job; the board agreed.

Mr. Chaplin provided headcount details, saying the district’s special‑education total is about 110 students, with roughly 60 at the elementary level and about 50 at the middle/high level; he added that 37 of the total are speech‑and‑language‑only cases and that some students are served at other facilities. Board members pressed administration on timing and earlier guidance given in March that three teachers were not needed; one trustee said she felt misled when counts changed after the decision to reduce staffing. Administration acknowledged the timing could have been faster and said the numbers have increased since March.

Trustee Lisa moved to approve additional staffing at Bangor Elementary as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Administration said it would proceed to post the position and that an existing para currently covering much of the work would be reassigned if and when a hire is made.

The board did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the motion was announced as carried by voice vote. The administration noted it is continuing professional development and supports to improve collaboration among special‑education staff while recruiting for the vacancy.