01:45:25One notable issue revolved around the proposed elimination of 30 lunch paraprofessional positions, which has prompted a strong reaction from the community. Kathy Sers, a former paraprofessional, argued that the district could save approximately $350,000 by cutting these positions but questioned the impact this would have on the students. Sers emphasized the paraprofessionals’ role in understanding students’ dietary needs and providing essential emotional and social support during lunch periods. She warned that removing these positions could compromise student safety and well-being.

01:48:27Echoing these concerns, Gail Maher, president of the Wall Township Education Association (WTEA), painted a picture of the potential risks in cafeterias without adequate supervision, such as increased bullying and harassment. Maher highlighted the importance of students learning social skills and conflict resolution, advocating for the retention of these positions as important to maintaining a supportive school environment.

01:51:39Parents also voiced their concerns during the public comment period. Matt Butler, a parent of a student at Old Mill School, underscored the necessity of paraeducators during unstructured times like lunch and recess, which he described as critical for maintaining a safe environment.

01:53:40Jonathan Reo, another parent, noted the practical assistance lunch aides provide, from opening containers to monitoring for bullying, emphasizing their “essential” presence for student safety. Reo criticized the manner in which the staff cuts were communicated, arguing that parents should have been informed before the aides. He questioned how the school would maintain adequate supervision with only one teacher overseeing a large group of students.

02:18:55Mary Beth Stoddard, a par professional at Old Mill School, highlighted the specialized support provided to children with special needs, emphasizing the potential dangers of reducing staff who are familiar with individual health issues. She called for the board to reconsider any decisions that might jeopardize student safety and health.

02:28:12Another topic was the budget for the 2025-2026 school year, totaling $91,150,000—a 4.5% increase from the previous year. The budget proposal included investments in mental health support, technological updates, and capital projects. Despite the increase, the proposed budget has been contentious due to the planned elimination of paraprofessional positions, framed as necessary to balance the budget. The increase in healthcare costs, expected to rise by 13%, was highlighted as a factor impacting the budget.

02:36:04Betsy Cross, a member of Moms for Liberty, criticized the district’s management of funds and questioned the transparency of the budget presentation. She argued that better financial management could prevent staff cuts and ensure that support programs remain funded. Cross called for clarity in budget allocations, particularly concerning the cuts to lunch aides and suggested that administrative salaries and benefits could be reevaluated to free up resources for student support.

02:16:13He outlined plans for curriculum revisions, particularly in mathematics and multilingual education, and the continuation of specialized programs for students with special needs.