Suffolk Public Schools administrators have held multiple meetings with staff in recent weeks to address concerns about workload, resources and other issues, they reported in Thursday’s School Board meeting.

The administrators reported to the School Board that they have met with six groups of teachers — two each at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Those meetings happened Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

At the meetings, most feedback was focused on teacher workload, lesson plans, assessments, resources and salary and benefits, said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. LaToya Harrison.

Among other issues, teachers reported that lesson plan templates and other routine forms were too long and duplicated effort, that early morning drop-off required additional work for teachers and teacher assistants, that they’re being required to work during their lunch and that too many grades are being required.

Harrison reported that principals have been directed to work with teachers to modify and streamline lesson plans. The school division also is meeting with local partners to explore ways to provide early morning drop-off without teachers and teacher assistants providing the service.

“We are making sure principals ensure teachers have a duty-free lunch,” Harrison said. She also said the system is reviewing the policy on the number of grades required.

Teachers also raised concern about the amount of time devoted to testing. Harrison said the school division will reduce the number of tests administered next year.

Resources were also addressed. Superintendent Dr. Deran Whitney said each school receives money for resources, and the principal works with his or her team to allocate it.

“Teachers obviously have basic materials they will need,” Whitney said. “If they’re lacking that, there needs to be a conversation with the principal.” If the principal indicates there wasn’t enough money to go around, Whitney added, a meeting at the grade level — elementary or secondary supervisors — would be needed.

The administrators also said they had met with bus drivers and other employee groups and will continue to seek out opportunities to communicate directly with staff.

“I think this is a good beginning,” School Board member Phyllis Byrum said. “I’m hoping in the coming year, some of these will be resolved.”

Later in the meeting, Whitney reported there is no new information on the budget. The school system must wait for City Council to adopt its budget, which happens on May 17.

The city manager’s proposed budget includes $1 million less in school funding than the School Board requested in its budget.

Some School Board members discussed the budget process in their closing comments during Thursday’s meeting.

“I don’t think we need the blame game with council and school board,” Holy Neck Borough representative Enoch Copeland said. “We cannot accomplish too much if we pass the blame from one to the other. We need to be more unified and not pointing fingers in our various meetings toward each other.”