Special education director: Sturgeon Bay met 97% of IDEA indicators for 2022–23

Director Berry presented the district’s IDEA 2023 special education report at the March 20 meeting, reading highlights from the 2022–23 school year data.

Berry said the district scored 97% on required indicators—well above the 80% threshold—calling out strengths in timely and accurate reporting and commending the special education administrative assistant for consistent data work. Berry noted that the one scored area that lowered points was graduation exiters, which Berry attributed to the district retaining students with intellectual disabilities longer than state guidance recommends in order to provide additional transition supports. Timely initial evaluations were identified as a focus area tied to a larger audit and a five‑year review process.

"We hit 97 as a department in Sturgeon Bay School District," Berry said. "You only need to hit 80% to meet the requirement." Berry also highlighted math and ELA proficiency data for students with disabilities, reporting that those students were in the proficient range in both subjects compared with state measures.

Berry said a larger packet of information is available ("about 172 pages" of material) and welcomed follow-up conversations. The presentation concluded with the director framing the results as a reflection on staff work and noting ongoing efforts to close gaps and improve timely evaluations.

Next steps: Director Berry indicated more detailed audit materials will be available next year as part of a five-year review; board members did not take formal action beyond receiving the report.