The Little Egg Harbor Board of Education in Ocean County, New Jersey, voted 4-2 during a recent meeting to eliminate all full-time paraprofessional and preschool teaching assistant positions, converting them to part-time roles with no health benefits in an effort to offset a projected 32.7% increase in healthcare costs.
The decision affects 81 full-time staff members, 97% of whom are women, according to posts from advocates who rallied at Frog Pond Elementary in support of the affected workers.
The district's total healthcare costs are expected to exceed $9.6 million in the upcoming budget year, placing what officials described as substantial financial strain on the school system, Jersey Shore Online reported, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Board President Chris Filiciello defended the move, stating that similar staffing changes have already taken place in other districts across New Jersey.
"The time has come to no longer balance our budgets on the backs of our students' futures," Filiciello said, adding that "this decision is trying to put the students first and give them as many resources as possible." He noted that the district intends to support affected employees as the process moves forward.
Board members Tiffany Middlecoop and Dr. Christine Snyder voted against the resolution. Both raised concerns about how the proposal was introduced and whether the public had adequate notice before the vote took place. Several residents and staff members echoed those concerns, according to the Jersey Shore Online report.
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) issued a statement saying it "stands with the 81 paraprofessionals from Little Egg Harbor," adding that the school district "blindsided staff by abolishing all full-time paraprofessional positions and voted to replace them with part-time roles offering no health benefits."
Teachers who spoke during the board meeting stressed the critical role paraprofessionals and teaching assistants play in supporting students, particularly those with disabilities and special learning needs. One educator noted the timing of the decision made it especially difficult for affected staff.
The staffing cuts reflect a broader crisis facing school districts statewide. Rising health insurance premiums have forced districts across New Jersey to consider layoffs and program reductions.
The Westwood Regional School District in Bergen County is dealing with a 32% spike in health insurance premiums and a 25% increase in prescription benefit costs, amounting to roughly $3.2 million.
The Lacey Township school district in Ocean County faces a 29% jump in healthcare costs, contributing to a $5 million deficit. Cherry Hill Public Schools in Camden County is staring down a $14.5 million shortfall driven in part by an estimated $10 million hike in employee health coverage, as per Patch.
Little Egg Harbor had already raised its school tax levy by 32% the previous year and had seen continued reductions in state aid, compounding its financial challenges.
