Parents, teachers and union press Little Egg Harbor BOE to restore 81 paraprofessional jobs; board orders further review

At a March 11 meeting, the Little Egg Harbor Board of Education filed a tentative 2026–27 budget that holds the tax levy to 2% and restores seven certificated staff positions, while also confirming a district restructuring that abolished 81 full‑time paraprofessional and preschool assistant roles.

Hundreds of residents, employees and union representatives filled the board room to oppose the staffing change and to press the board for more transparency and a reversal. “I was totally blindsided by an email … that the Board of Education abolished the position of full time paraprofessionals,” said Marion Seaman Ronaldo, who identified herself as a full‑time paraprofessional whose position was abolished. “I was totally blindsided by this action that seemed to me both sneaky and underhanded.”

The superintendent’s presentation explained the fiscal drivers behind the district’s decisions. Superintendent Carl told the audience the budget is constrained by rising health‑care costs, reductions in state aid and other structural pressures; he said the…