Parents and educators urge Mount Olive board to reverse nonrenewal of autism teacher

Several parents and district special-education professionals urged the Mount Olive Township Board of Education on Monday to reverse a recommendation not to renew the contract of a K–2 autism teacher identified in public comment as Tara Paez.

"Removing a trusted, highly effective autism teacher when the program is already struggling to fill 11 critical support roles is a risk our children simply cannot afford," parent Stephanie Sherman told the board, saying her son made "real, measurable progress" under the teacher’s care.

Alyssa Wetzel, a 21‑year special-education teacher and parent, said she was informed the teacher’s contract would not be renewed and pleaded with the board to examine the classroom and program before finalizing any personnel decision. "When our son was diagnosed with autism ... we believed he would have access to the best support possible. Unfortunately, right now that belief is being shaken," Wetzel said.

Multiple speakers cited district communications — including an item that highlighted the teacher’s classroom as a success — and said the teacher had been relied upon during staffing shortages. One commenter supplied a printout showing 11 open special-education positions the district is seeking to fill, and argued that replacing an experienced autism‑classroom teacher would undermine students’ needed continuity.

The board president responded that personnel decisions are governed by law and board policy and that specific personnel details cannot always be discussed in open session. The president and other board members described the formal appeal process available to employees, including the ability to request a statement of reasons and to pursue a Donaldson hearing with union representation before the full board in closed session.

Board administrators said the district will follow established policies for staffing and personnel decisions and that administrators are in the process of meeting with families affected by recent staffing changes. A superintendent or administration representative said they would follow up with parents and that procedural timelines and confidentiality limits constrain what the board can disclose publicly.

The public comment period produced no formal reversal; speakers asked the board to prioritize stability for vulnerable students and to provide additional transparency about the nonrenewal process. Several speakers said they planned to pursue the district’s appeal and hearing procedures if the administrative recommendation stands.