Former School Psychologist Yoka Ward highlights burnout crisis among special education staff at Willow

The Homewood School District 153 Board of Education meeting on December 16, 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding staff burnout and turnover in special education, particularly at Willow School. A former school psychologist, who worked at Willow until January 2023, addressed the board, emphasizing the increasing challenges faced by special education staff as student needs grow.

The speaker noted a rise in the percentage of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at Willow, from 14% in 2021 to 19.9% in 2024, indicating a growing demand for support. This increase, coupled with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to heightened workloads and stress among staff. The speaker criticized the district's approach, suggesting it leans towards a "wait to fail" model rather than proactive measures to support both students and staff.

The former psychologist called for systemic changes to improve the school climate and retain special education staff, who often feel isolated and overwhelmed. She stressed the importance of administrative support in creating effective systems to address these challenges, arguing that without such support, the quality of education and services provided to students could suffer.

The meeting also included a brief address from Yoka Ward, a retired district employee and current library trustee, although specific details of her comments were not provided in the transcript. The discussions at the meeting underscore the urgent need for the district to address staff well-being to ensure effective educational support for students.