Dear Wall Township Board of Education and Administration,

We, the concerned parents and guardians of Old Mill School students, are deeply alarmed by the decision to eliminate the majority of lunch aides who provide critical supervision and support to our children each day.

Until now, approximately 80 students were supervised by three trained lunch aides during lunch periods. Effective immediately, this supervision will be reduced to only one aide for the same number of children. This drastic cut poses serious risks to student safety and wellbeing, including but not limited to:

• Assisting young children with opening lunch containers and managing food
• Quickly responding to accidents, illnesses, or injuries
• Preventing and addressing bullying incidents
• Monitoring bathroom trips and hallway safety
• Providing general supervision and conflict resolution
• Ensuring support for students with special needs or accommodations

We are further concerned that the proposed solution — assigning one classroom teacher to supervise during lunch — is unfair and unsustainable. Teachers would lose critical prep and lunch periods necessary for planning instruction and supporting students academically. Additionally, no clear plan has been provided regarding supervision during recess, which presents similar safety and behavioral risks.

As parents, we demand clear, immediate answers to the following questions:

• What is the district’s plan to ensure safe and adequate supervision during lunch periods?
• How will recess supervision be managed with reduced staff?
• How will the rights and contractual agreements for teachers' prep and lunch periods be upheld?
• What contingency plans exist for emergencies that require more than one adult?
• What specific steps will the district take to protect the safety, dignity, and development of all students, particularly those in younger grades and with special needs?
• We respectfully request that the Board address this issue publicly at the next Board of Education meeting and work with parents to find a safe, sustainable solution for our children.

Our students deserve better. Their safety must be a top priority.

Sincerely,
The Concerned Parents and Guardians of Old Mill School