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Parents and union leaders urge board to retain 81 paraprofessionals as public criticism mounts
Summary
Union leaders and dozens of residents urged the Little Egg Harbor Township board to reverse plans to reduce 81 paraprofessionals to part‑time, saying the changes would harm students with IEPs and expressing frustration over perceived miscommunication and financial mismanagement.
Multiple parents, paraprofessionals and union representatives told the Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education during public comment that converting or reducing 81 paraprofessional positions would harm students and undermine trust.
Barbara RHEAULT, who identified herself as Atlantic County NJEA president and a National Education Association director for New Jersey, told the board that paraprofessionals are “essential” to students with special needs and called for collaboration and transparency as the district finalizes its budget. A community member who identified himself only as Mikey presented detailed cost estimates arguing that the district could retain staff while phasing in transportation purchases and urged the board not to make staffing choices that prioritize buses over people.
Speakers said they were frustrated by what they described as inconsistent messages to the public about whether meetings were informational or actionable, and several urged clearer communications and stakeholder involvement in budget decisions. Commenters also criticized past decisions around COVID‑era funds and asked what safeguards and accountability measures the district will put in place.
Board members acknowledged the concerns, reported ongoing negotiations with paraprofessional representatives and the union, and said work sessions and negotiations were continuing. Several board members thanked paraprofessionals for their service and said they hoped to reach an outcome that protects students. The board also noted it budgeted allocations for open certificated positions and said final staffing decisions will be finalized through hiring and the final budget vote.
No final board action to change employment status for paraprofessionals was recorded during the meeting; members said further negotiations and a final budget approval are pending.
