Teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff with the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County are raising urgent concerns: chronic understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and unmanageable caseloads are putting both student safety and educational quality at risk.

We stand with SSD educators who support more than 23,000 students across 22 partner school districts, including many with disabilities and complex learning needs. These students deserve consistent, compassionate, and qualified care—but right now, they’re too often going without it.

Educators have reported:

• Long-term substitutes without certification
• Students regressing academically and behaviorally
• Children left in soiled clothing due to inadequate staffing
• Thousands of legally mandated IEP (Individualized Education Program) minutes going unfulfilled each week
• Dangerous conditions when students wander or experience behavioral crises without enough adults present to intervene safely

And yet, the district continues a hiring freeze while shifting remaining staff in ways that stretch them thinner. Teachers say they’re “mentally and physically exhausted.” One called the district’s budget plan “Righting the Ship financially, but wronging the students and our staff in the process.”

SSD leadership has cited financial constraints and nationwide shortages. But this isn’t just about limited resources—it’s about how those resources are being used. SSD’s own budget allocates over $500 million to staffing. As one of Missouri’s largest school districts, SSD can and must do better.

We call on the Special School District Board of Education to act now:

• Lift the hiring freeze and fill all vacant educator and paraprofessional roles with trained, certified staff
• Reduce unmanageable caseloads and provide protected time for planning and collaboration
• Ensure students receive the full services outlined in their IEPs
• Create a clear plan with timelines and accountability for restoring safe, stable classrooms

SSD students and educators deserve better. Join us in calling on the SSD Board to ensure safe, fully staffed schools—because every child and every educator matters.

Add your name now. Let’s restore dignity, safety, and stability to our classrooms.