By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

In preparation of the 2021-22 Parkland budget, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rodney Troutman presented a report to the school board on staffing needs for the forthcoming term.

During the March 23 meeting, he said one additional school psychologist is requested by the administration to address the volume of cases at the high school.

At the elementary level, Troutman said three full-time teachers and a half-time English as a Second Language teacher are needed due to increased enrollment.

He said 12 one-year online elementary teachers will be supported through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which was established at the federal level to address the impact of COVID-19.

For the middle schools, Troutman said a school nurse is needed at Springhouse and a special education multiple disabilities teacher is requested for Orefield.

At the high school, Troutman said another Spanish teacher is needed due to additional course requests and a half-time ESL teacher is required for increased enrollment.

Under the heading of support staff, Troutman said another paraprofessional is requested for special education and a half-time administrative assistant is asked for to address increased workload.

Looking at student activities, the assistant superintendent noted five new clubs have been accepted and will have advisors who receive a stipend.

The organizations are Parkland Physics Club, STEMM Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Parkland CARES and Photography Club.

In another matter, Troutman reported 70 percent of elementary children at Parkland are receiving education in person and 30 percent online.

At the high school level, 48 percent are face to face and 52 percent online.

Overall in the district, 5,939 students (62 percent) are reporting to classes in person and 3,623 (38 percent) are online.