Board hears first reading of Response to Intervention policy; wording on superintendent authority under review

The Pasco School Board received a first reading of proposed policy 2163, Response to Intervention (RTI), during the meeting.

Policy specialist or presenter Miss Thornton said the policy is part of the district's Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) work and that the state requires districts to transition to RTI by the 2027–28 school year for certain special‑education evaluation processes. "As she said during the study session, it will be required for the district to transition to RTI by 2027, 2028, for our evaluation of students who have specific learning disability," Thornton said.

Board members discussed specific language in the draft policy that assigns duties to the superintendent. Board President Amanda Brown asked that where possible the policy read "superintendent or designee." Thornton said she would check whether statute requires the superintendent specifically and that the board should expect the policy on the Oct. 28 consent agenda with any necessary edits.

No formal vote was taken; the policy remains at first reading and is slated for approval on the Oct. 28 consent agenda pending final language checks.

Provenance: First reading and board Q&A on policy 2163 during the meeting.