Special education crisis demands urgent administrative action

During a recent government meeting, Bernadette MacIver, a special education para at Riverview, raised urgent concerns regarding the staffing crisis in special education programs. MacIver highlighted a significant increase in student enrollment, from 12 to 19, many of whom have high behavioral needs requiring extensive support. She criticized the current staffing model, which she described as reactive, stating it fails to adequately address the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

MacIver pointed out that the existing contract stipulates one teacher and two paraprofessionals for up to 15 students, regardless of the specific support needs outlined in their IEPs. This model, she argued, does not allow for proactive interventions, leading to increased incidents of behavioral escalations and safety concerns for both students and staff.

She expressed frustration over the lack of administrative support, noting that previous directors of special education had actively engaged with classrooms, unlike the current administration. MacIver called for district leaders to witness firsthand the challenges faced by special education staff and students, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.

The meeting also included procedural motions, with the board approving several special and regular meeting dates and revisions to the consent agenda. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges within the special education system and the urgent need for administrative action to address staffing inadequacies.