Special education keeps growing which causes disharmony in staffs. Special education teachers requesting or demanding very expensive services. This year was the first year in the last eight that our student population decreased. It had an impact on the budget, fund 10. This was unanticipated and not budgeted.
Tension is a better word than conflict.
Education assistant's time flows to special education and away from regular classrooms. Demand on limited classroom space causes tension. New staff additions are needed but not accomplished. The salary increases are minimal and not up to CPI standards. All new staff positions but one are for special education.