Teachers’ union urges board to address rising special-education caseloads and to permit PD leave for training

During the public-comment period on Sept. 9, Michael Mullins, representing the Chesterfield Education Association, told the board that the union has signed new members and collective-bargaining cards and raised concerns that special-education teachers’ caseloads are increasing, placing additional strain on staff.

"We're hearing from members that our special education teachers case loads are increasing," Mullins said, and urged the district to allow principals to grant professional-development leave so teachers can attend two daytime Virginia Department of Education trainings (one in October and one in January) focused on tools that could help with special-education duties. He asked the board to review Metobrook’s schedule for seat-time compliance after a union member raised the question and requested clarification on whether reverting Bellwood to a traditional calendar could lead to layoffs or reassignments.

Mullins also asked when staff would receive details about forthcoming increases to health and dental insurance costs and whether raises would offset higher premiums. The board acknowledged receipt of the comments; the meeting record shows no immediate staff response during the public-comment segment, but later work-session materials and upcoming meetings were referenced by board members and staff for follow-up.

Also speaking in the public comment set was Mike Carabinos, who took the podium briefly and did not offer substantive requests beyond general remarks.