Looking ahead to the 2015-16 school term, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rodney Troutman presented staffing requests from the administration to the Parkland School Board at the March 24 meeting.

Troutman said the district wants to restore several positions eliminated some years ago in a budget crunch.

"We are not yet at levels we were in 2011," Troutman said. "We are trying to restore staff."

Other personnel are needed due to increases in enrollment in certain areas and work involved in meeting mandate requirements.

Troutman asked for a special education teacher at the high school due to an increase of 44 students in the program, which exceeds the caseload requirement.

As enrollment has increased at Springhouse Middle School, Troutman recommends a dual certification science and social studies teacher to boost the staff.

He asked for a guidance counselor who would divide time between Springhouse, Jaindl and Fogelsville elementary schools where enrollment is higher.

Troutman also requested a dean of students to assist with discipline, teacher supervision and evaluation, and administrative duties at the larger elementary schools in the southern section of the school district.

Due to restructuring of the student services department, Troutman requested a coordinator of health and wellness who would work with mandate compliance, physicals and homebound instruction.

He also asked for a supervisor of pupil services who would be in charge of psychologists throughout the district.

Troutman requested one new elementary position available to use if enrollment increases during the summer and to employ a mechanic's helper and the upgrade of a 10-month technology paraprofessional to a 12-month technology technician at the high school.

The cost for the new employees would be $456,415 for salaries; and $262,000 for benefits.

Business Manager John Vignone explained the cost would have been considerably higher but is helped along by $319,697 in attrition savings from long-term employees who are retiring.

The board is expected to consider the requests during the April 24 budget seminar.