Parents and educators press Union County board for transparency after proposed cuts to media coordinators and counselors

Parents, teachers and counselors pressed the Union County Board of Education on June 2 for clearer explanations of proposed cuts to media coordinator and counselor positions and for more transparent budget information.

"Are students’ well-being and education truly the priority?" asked parent Caitlyn Sergo, who told the board the district has already reduced full-time nursing coverage and is now proposing cuts to media coordinators and counselors that support literacy, testing accommodations and student wellness. "Show us the budget. Show us where the money is going so the taxpayers can put pressure on the correct people to get some change in Union County," she said.

Several speakers offered overlapping criticisms. Nicole Mutler, a 20-year Union County educator, cited specific local supplement figures she said favored cabinet staff over classroom positions and argued cuts were being made "on the backs of student-facing staff." She said UCPS teacher local yearly supplement was $7,341 while some cabinet members’ supplements were in the tens of thousands, and asked whether the district had explored cutting administrative-level spending instead of classroom-facing roles.

Former district counselor Alexis Sadler urged the board to publish the analysis that led to the staffing decisions, noting that counselor caseloads already exceed national recommendations: "We were already overloaded with those numbers and now high schools are expected to operate with only four school counselors next year," she said, citing American School Counseling Association guidance on student-to-counselor ratios.

Several parents and employees asked for a public town hall or superintendent communication so families can understand alternatives considered and the projected impact on student services. "We’re looking for transparency," said Jen Sanders, who asked for a community update, a town hall or an email from the superintendent explaining what was considered and what will change going forward.

Board members responded by urging residents to review prior committee and finance meetings for budget context and by saying the district will continue to engage with county commissioners on funding. Chair said the board listens to public comment and invited constituents to provide factual concerns by email.

Next steps: Board members noted upcoming joint meetings with county commissioners to discuss funding; speakers asked the district to publish the decision analysis and to schedule public communication so families can assess trade-offs.