Teachers, union and parents urge board to preserve Title I interventionists

Union representatives and Title I teachers used the board’s public comment period to press members not to eliminate Title I interventionists and other certified positions amid proposed reductions-in-force.

Randy Hy, speaking as a union representative, said implementing the proposed RIFs and transfers “means the following” and listed program and staff cuts he said could result — including loss of Title I, computer science, art, music and band programs as well as certified special-education and elementary teachers. He warned that uprooting Title I and other specialized staff would “disrupt critical relationships and undermine continuity in instruction.”

Kay Kernut, who identified herself as a Title I teacher at Jennings Randolph Elementary School, told the board she has worked in the county 23 years and described Title I interventionists as “irreplaceable and necessary,” arguing that instructional coaches are not a direct substitute for the day-to-day intervention Title I staff provide.

Another public speaker, identified as Susan E, thanked the board for listening and asked that if members must vote on personnel before Title I federal funding is finalized, they remain diligent and, once funds are released, rescind any eliminations of Title I positions before Aug. 1 if the budget shows funds are available.

Board members did not take formal action specifically on Title I at the meeting. Personnel items were discussed in Section 7 and the board indicated some personnel recommendations will return for final votes next week. No definitive change to Title I staffing was recorded in the meeting minutes during this session.

The public comments are on the record for board consideration as the district completes budget decisions affecting staffing for FY26.