In a recent school committee meeting, concerns were raised regarding the increased workload for team chairs responsible for conducting annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. A representative from the team chair group expressed frustration over the shift in responsibilities from over 200 teachers and service providers to just 21 individuals, highlighting the potential negative impact on families, students, and educators.

The team chair representative detailed the challenges faced over the past 16 months, emphasizing that their proposals for manageable workload limits have largely gone unaddressed. They reported managing a caseload of 211 students and running 118 meetings, with an additional 65 meetings pending before the school year ends. The administration's latest proposal demands that team chairs conduct 320 meetings annually, a figure deemed unrealistic by the team.

Despite repeated appeals for recognition of their workload and the need for feasible working conditions, the team chairs feel their concerns have not been adequately acknowledged. They noted that the current workload already requires them to work additional days and hours, and the proposed changes would exacerbate the situation without providing a clear plan for support.

The committee's response to these concerns was limited, with the superintendent declining to address the specific accusations made during public input. Instead, the committee reiterated its commitment to implementing the new meeting structure, despite the ongoing disagreements over the proposed meeting numbers.

The team chairs are now seeking public support as they navigate these negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to improving communication and compliance while advocating for realistic workload expectations.