West Gloucester educators advocate for TAs at town council budget discussion

A passionate plea for the importance of teacher assistants (TAs) echoed through the Town of Glocester's recent council meeting, highlighting their critical role in supporting students, especially those with special needs. Sophia Silva, an 8-year-old student, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of her peers, emphasizing that TAs are essential for creating an inclusive and welcoming school environment. "Without TAs, school would be awful," she stated, underscoring their daily interactions and support that help students feel ready to learn.

Laura Babbitt, a speech and language pathologist at West Gloucester Elementary, reinforced this sentiment, detailing how TAs are vital for children with communication challenges. She explained that many of her students rely on TAs to practice communication skills, which are crucial for their development. "If it weren't for these TAs, many children would not be able to communicate," she asserted, highlighting the potential behavioral issues that arise from frustration due to communication barriers.

The discussion took a turn towards funding concerns when Crystal Bergantine, assistant executive director at NEA Rhode Island, questioned the town council about their authority to exceed budget caps for school funding. She urged council members to collaborate with state representatives to address unfunded mandates that burden local schools. The council acknowledged the challenges, noting their efforts to secure a 6% increase in school funding this year, but the conversation revealed ongoing tensions regarding financial support for education.

As the meeting concluded, the community's commitment to advocating for essential educational resources was clear. The voices of students and educators alike called for a united effort to ensure that every child in Glocester receives the support they need to thrive.