Special‑education director reports caseload, new center progress and $900,000 playground estimate

Special‑education director Stephanie updated the Rock Ridge School Board on March 9 about caseloads, facility progress and funding plans for a new community‑inclusive playground.

"As of right now, we have 452 active special education students across the district and 81 students on 504 plans," Stephanie said, and reported that the 1404 special‑education center walls are up and the district is planning for about 20 students there initially with capacity for roughly 50.

Stephanie said Medicaid (MA) billing generated just over $216,000 in revenue last year and that some DHS claim denials this year have required resubmissions. She outlined ongoing hiring needs for an assessment coordinator, school psychologist and other specialist roles and said those postings will go out in May.

The director described a community‑inclusive playground project — designed for people of all ages and mobility needs — that is fully planned but not yet funded. "The cost for this is about $900,000, actually a little under $900,000," she said, and staff are pursuing a DNR grant, Cleveland Cliffs Foundation support, a letter campaign and spring fundraising events to cover remaining costs.

Stephanie also noted continued needs for specialized staff and that some positions the district posts will be neutral to the Northland Learning Center budget, describing hiring as partly a reallocation strategy within district constraints.

The board did not take immediate action but encouraged staff to continue grant pursuit and to share additional grant and timeline details at follow‑up meetings. Stephanie invited trustees to tour the 1404 building before the next meeting; she estimated construction completion in May–June.