Chester County IU begins special‑education audit; district to run parent and staff focus groups

Dr. Overberman told the committee that Chester County Intermediate Unit auditors began document review in August and have uploaded roughly 55–60 documents including budgeting, transportation, staffing, and professional‑development materials. "Starting this month and into next month, they're going to be focused on the focus groups," he said, describing plans for four initial parent sessions (day/evening, in‑person/virtual) with the option to add more depending on interest.

Overberman said classroom observations will occur in October and November to sample programs and generate recommendations; teachers, paraprofessionals, parents and related‑service providers will be invited to participate. He emphasized that all special‑education parents will receive a survey even if they do not join a focus group, and that Chester County IU will manage recruitment and registration to avoid appearance of district selection bias.