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Music teachers praise equity work; resident raises concerns about wellness grant sustainability
Summary
Music teachers urged continued inclusive arts programming and staff praised a newly approved MTSS program. A resident raised detailed concerns about the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) grant's shortened timeline, leadership turnover, staffing losses, and allocation decisions, asking for greater transparency and sustainability planning.
During the meeting’s public-comment period, district music teachers and staff voiced support for continued inclusive arts education and recent district actions. Music teacher Mr. Goldberg spoke on behalf of the Collingswood music department, arguing that music education promotes equity and belongs to every student.
Rebecca Mueller, an MDSS coach, praised the board’s approval of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program, describing it as the result of a two-and-a-half-year effort and urging contract settlement so staff can focus on students.
A resident, identified as Karina, addressed the board about the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) grant and the district wellness center. Karina said the TIC grant’s end date was shortened from December to September 2026 while total funding was reportedly increased from $1,940,000 to $2,910,000. She said the wellness center has experienced three supervisors in two years, the wellness center director left in January without replacement, and support roles (for example, a secretary or SEL coach) were removed from the grant. Karina expressed concern about a staff salary of about $165,000 being charged to the grant and asked for transparency on how funds are allocated and a sustainability plan for services after the grant ends.
The board did not take action on those public comments during the meeting but acknowledged the concerns and said it would take notes for follow-up.
