District employees urge board to restore full‑time instructional-assistant positions
February 27, 2024 | Neshaminy SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Two district employees used the public-comment period at the Jan. 23 meeting of the Neshaminy School District board to press the board on staffing for instructional assistants (IAs).
Judy Contoso, who said she has resided in the district for more than 40 years and worked as an instructional assistant, thanked the board for new full-time hires but asked whether recent postings that converted part-time positions to full time will continue, and why some positions were not publicly posted as the contract requires. Contoso expressed concern about coverage at her building when aides are absent and the effect on lunchtime and dismissal supervision.
Mary Ellen Pulak, a 25‑year district instructional assistant at Albert Switzer Elementary, described being the only full‑time IA in her building until two additional IAs are placed; she said other longtime aides have left for full‑time jobs elsewhere because positions were not made full time. Pulak urged the board to "do something to take care of the children" and said the district needs "lots more full timers." The board chair said the issue could be addressed at the next meeting or in discussions after the meeting but did not announce a specific remedy.
Why it matters: Instructional assistants perform supervisory and classroom-support tasks that affect student safety and daily operations, including bus dismissal and special‑education support. Commenters described operational strains when buildings lack full‑time IA coverage.
What’s next: Board members invited the commenters to speak with staff after the meeting and indicated the item may be addressed at a future meeting; no formal direction or vote on staffing changes was recorded.
Judy Contoso, who said she has resided in the district for more than 40 years and worked as an instructional assistant, thanked the board for new full-time hires but asked whether recent postings that converted part-time positions to full time will continue, and why some positions were not publicly posted as the contract requires. Contoso expressed concern about coverage at her building when aides are absent and the effect on lunchtime and dismissal supervision.
Mary Ellen Pulak, a 25‑year district instructional assistant at Albert Switzer Elementary, described being the only full‑time IA in her building until two additional IAs are placed; she said other longtime aides have left for full‑time jobs elsewhere because positions were not made full time. Pulak urged the board to "do something to take care of the children" and said the district needs "lots more full timers." The board chair said the issue could be addressed at the next meeting or in discussions after the meeting but did not announce a specific remedy.
Why it matters: Instructional assistants perform supervisory and classroom-support tasks that affect student safety and daily operations, including bus dismissal and special‑education support. Commenters described operational strains when buildings lack full‑time IA coverage.
What’s next: Board members invited the commenters to speak with staff after the meeting and indicated the item may be addressed at a future meeting; no formal direction or vote on staffing changes was recorded.
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