Kimball superintendent proposes behavior-support specialist to address rising high-need behaviors

Kimball Public Schools’ superintendent urged the board to begin recruiting for a district-level behavior-support specialist to address an increase in students with severe needs that are disrupting classes, particularly in lower elementary grades.

“The goal of this position would be to reduce the occurrences of those behaviors and also … have more individualized instruction for those individuals throughout the school day as well,” Superintendent Trevor said, describing a tentative job description drafted from other districts.

Trevor told the board he and staff have discussed the issue with neighboring districts and regional partners. He said the district could code the position as a special-education role and receive about 80% reimbursement from the state for the employee’s salary and benefits if the classification is appropriate.

Board members asked about minimum qualifications and supervision. Trevor said the minimum would be a special-education credential and that the position would likely operate under the director of special education (Mrs. Sulik) while focusing initially on lower elementary students districtwide. He emphasized the role is intended as a supportive specialist — not a facility where students are sent as punishment.

Board members expressed broad support for pursuing the position and asked administration to advertise and begin recruitment as soon as feasible, with the understanding that finding qualified candidates is a regional challenge.