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Parents and educators tell GRPS board vacancies and proposed teaching cuts threaten special-education services
Summary
Multiple public commenters and teachers told the Grand Rapids Public Schools board that 173 posted job openings — including 67 special-education positions — and planned teacher cuts will strain services for students with disabilities and increase class sizes.
At the April 13 Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education meeting, parents and district employees urged the board to address a growing staffing shortfall that they said is placing vulnerable students at risk.
Lisa Lee, who identified herself during public comment, said there were 173 current job openings posted on the district website, 67 of which were for special education, and described a continuing gap in leadership: “For the past two years we have not had an executive director of special education,” she said. Lee said vacancies in paraprofessionals and…
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