A Jersey Shore community is outraged after the school board voted to get rid of full-time paraprofessionals and pre-school teaching assistants. The decision affects 81 staff members who were told they could apply for part-time positions.
What’s Happening
The Little Egg Harbor Township School District made the decision to offset a nearly 33% spike in healthcare costs. Many other New Jersey school districts are facing similar financial pressures.
The district claims the level of services to students will continue under the new restructuring plan, but some parents and staff members are not convinced.
NJ school district cuts 81 full-time paraprofessionals due to healthcare costs. What does this mean for special education students?
Context and Background
This move is part of a larger trend in New Jersey, where school districts are struggling to manage increasing healthcare costs. The decision has sparked concerns about the impact on special education students who rely heavily on paraprofessionals for support.
Quote: The children will be greatly affected by not having the consistency of us there. Attribution: Denise DeVito, Paraprofessional
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Implications and Applications
The elimination of full-time paraprofessional positions could have significant implications for the quality of education and support provided to students. Parents and educators are worried about the potential consequences of this decision.
Learning Success programs, such as the Brain Bloom system and Attentive Ear program, offer alternatives for parents seeking to support their children’s development and education.
Key takeaways
- Key Decision: Little Egg Harbor Township School District cuts full-time paraprofessionals.
- Impact: Affects 81 staff members and potentially the quality of education.
- Context: Part of a larger trend in New Jersey due to increasing healthcare costs.
Looking Ahead
As the school district moves forward with its plan, parents and staff members will be closely watching the impact on students. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for education funding and support for special education programs.
While the decision by the Little Egg Harbor Township School District to cut full-time paraprofessionals may seem like a cost-saving measure, it highlights the need for parents to be proactive in seeking support for their children’s education. Programs like those offered by Learning Success can provide valuable alternatives for families. Consider exploring the Learning Success All Access Program for a personalized approach to your child’s educational needs.
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