During a recent Board of Education meeting, Lori Chin, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Howard County, presented a compelling case regarding the overwhelming challenges faced by SLPs due to increasing caseloads and insufficient staffing. This marked her fourth appearance before the board, where she emphasized the urgent need for additional SLP positions to meet the growing demand for speech language therapy services.

Chin highlighted that the number of students requiring these services has surged by 16% over the past three years, yet the allocation of SLP positions has not kept pace. Currently, the department has 153 SLPs covering a diverse range of services, including support for infants and toddlers, but many SLPs are managing caseloads that exceed recommended limits. The lack of additional positions has resulted in significant missed therapy hours, with over 4,200 hours of services lost last year due to SLPs attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and completing urgent paperwork.

The data presented by Chin revealed that SLPs are working an average of 6.2 hours per week beyond their contracted hours to fulfill their responsibilities, equating to over 30 extra duty days annually. This excessive workload not only affects the SLPs' well-being but also compromises the quality of services provided to students, particularly those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Chin called for immediate action from the board, urging them to recognize the workload crisis and to allocate more resources to hire additional SLPs. She proposed that SLPs be given protected time during the workday to complete necessary paperwork and be relieved from non-SLP duties to focus on their primary responsibilities.

In support of Chin's statements, a representative from the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) echoed the need for urgent relief for SLPs, noting that many are feeling undervalued and overwhelmed. The representative urged board members to visit schools and observe the challenges faced by SLPs firsthand.

The meeting underscored a critical issue within the school system, as SLPs continue to advocate for the necessary support to ensure that students receive the services they need. The board's response to these concerns will be pivotal in addressing the staffing shortages and improving the working conditions for SLPs in Howard County.