Teachers and ed‑techs testify to stress, injuries and need for more special‑education support

During the public‑comment portion of Thursday’s meeting, multiple educators described mounting workplace stress tied to severe student behavioral needs and urged the board to act.

Amy Willette, a Wentworth fifth‑grade teacher and building representative for the Scarborough Education Association, said colleagues are experiencing extreme stress and physical symptoms — from panic attacks and insomnia to ulcers — and urged the district to investigate root causes and identify solutions to better support staff and students.

Crystal Ash Cuthbert, president of the Scarborough Education Association and a 32‑year district teacher, summarized feedback from SEA members reporting they are "spread too thin," lack adequate training for violent incidents and fear losing qualified educators if supports don’t improve. She asked the board to make improving special‑education implementation a district‑wide goal and to involve practitioners in decision‑making.

Sherry Bell, a Wentworth special‑education ed‑tech and building rep, described firsthand safety incidents — a desk thrown across a classroom, students eloping — and said these events have become more frequent. "I’ve been employed with our district for 26 years... I love my job. I became a special ed ed tech after working in the school nutrition program for 19 years. I’m at my wit’s end," she said.

Board members thanked speakers and said they would take the concerns into account; staff noted the district has begun outreach to examine program models and staffing needs. The board did not take immediate formal action at the meeting but invited the association and staff to follow up with specifics for next steps.

Provenance: public comments, Feb. 26 meeting.