Second-grade teacher urges Berwick Area SD to keep three second-grade positions

Ang Davis, a second‑grade teacher at West Burwick Elementary, told the board she and colleagues believed three second‑grade positions would be replaced after a recent vote and asked for clarification, saying, “Please, keep those 3 second grade positions.”

The board response said a reduction had been voted last week but that the specific action taken was the elimination of a special‑education position; staff said roles would be shifted and offered to put a formal motion on next week’s agenda so the district could provide certainty to teachers. The responding speaker noted, “those 3 positions were capped, but there was 1 elementary reduction, and that was elimination of the special ed position.”

Why it matters: teachers’ staffing levels affect class sizes and instructional planning for the upcoming year; Davis described a direct classroom impact and appealed to the board for a clear commitment. Board members asked staff to return fuller details at next week’s meeting so the board can consider a formal motion or confirm hiring plans.

Next steps: the superintendent/staff said they would provide clarification and, if desired, place a motion on next week’s agenda to formalize staffing decisions so replacements (or absorptions) are no longer in question.

Sources and limits: reporting is based solely on board remarks at the work session. The transcript records Davis’s request and the staff clarification; it does not include a final formal vote or a written staffing plan.