Lacey Township meeting hears widespread opposition to proposed cuts to paraprofessionals and health aides

The Lacey Township Board of Education heard an extended public outcry Tuesday over proposed budget cuts that would cut full‑time paraprofessionals and health aides, potentially replacing some positions with part‑time roles and trimming benefits.

Parents, longtime paraprofessionals, health office staff, students and the Lacey Township Education Association delivered emotional testimony during the public‑comment portion, urging the board to preserve the positions they said are essential to vulnerable learners and to school safety. “The work paraprofessionals do will never show up on a test score,” said Karen Nap, a 26‑year district paraprofessional, who asked the board to “re‑evaluate keeping us full‑time paras.”

Student government president Tatiana described the classroom supports she depends on and asked that students be included in advocacy if budget shortfalls persist. Trish Mooney, health secretary at Mil Pond School, told the board 1,300 students came through her office in one month and warned that cutting full‑time health staff “is like removing a seat belt from a car to save money,” arguing the change would weaken trust between families and the district. Michael Ryan, president of the Lacey Township Education Association, described the cuts as “life‑altering” for employees and harmful to students who rely on continuity of care.

Acting Superintendent Mr. Zalinsky acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions, saying the district had increased its benefits budget by roughly $3.5 million this year and that the board’s proposals were made after “very careful consideration.” He also said the district has made a contract offer to the LTEA (2% this year, 3.5% next year) and that negotiations have moved to fact‑finding, a process that could take “six to eight months.”

Board members repeatedly told speakers they valued teachers and support staff and said they would continue pursuing state funding and other options. The board encouraged continued communication with negotiating parties and reminded the public of upcoming budget milestones, including a budget workshop on April 28 and a public hearing and adoption meeting on May 5.

Next steps: the district remains in active negotiations with the LTEA and has entered fact‑finding; the board will continue deliberations as it prepares the 2026–27 budget and will vote on final adoption at the public hearing scheduled for May.