D21 Education Association expresses concerns about short staffing

A large part of her role is to communicate to the administration and listen to staff to help bridge understanding.

“Right now, many staff members feel like they are barely keeping heads above water. Elementary teachers are balancing multiple new initiatives, staff everywhere are covering classes during prep periods, and in some cases, doubling up classes due to ongoing substitute shortages,” Galt said.

Additional concerns she shared included several shortages in student-facing roles which are compounding the strain. Principals too are feeling the pressure as they are increasingly pulled into meetings, leaving buildings without administrative support at times when student needs and behaviors are rife.

Galt recognized that the district has important initiatives designed to improve teaching and learning, and that each one has value.

However, she observed, “When too many are implemented at once, especially during a time of limited staffing, it can feel as though priorities between classroom staff and central administration are misaligned.”

She emphasized that while it is clear that while everyone shares the same goal of providing the best education possible for students, when buildings are left short-staffed while leaders attend trainings or meetings, or have to cover classes themselves, it leaves educators feeling unsupported, and that erodes morale.

“As we navigate financial challenges and rising costs, it is important to focus on not only on programs, but also on people. We should find ways to retain our talented staff and attract new educators by building a district culture known for working for working together and solving problems, and supporting one another,” Galt concluded in her remarks.