Linn‑Mar to add two TAP specialists under shared state partnership to boost transitions for students with disabilities

The Linn‑Mar Community School District on April 27 announced it has been approved to add two Transition Alliance Program (TAP) specialists to help students with disabilities move from high school into employment or further education.

Anne Farber, executive director of student services, told the board the grant was approved in March, “resulting in funding for two TAP specialists,” and emphasized TAP’s purpose: to support students with IEPs or 504 plans through career exploration, job‑readiness training, work‑based learning and follow‑up through age 25.

The program, Farber said, is a partnership between the district and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS). “It is jointly funded with the school district and IVRs, each covering 50% of the program cost. There's no cost to our families, students for participating in the TAP program,” she said.

Board members pressed for budget clarity. Staff said the current contract runs through Sept. 1, with the district’s pro‑rated share to that date reported as roughly $44,600; if renewed for a full year the district’s annual share would be approximately $80,000 and IVRS would pay the other half. A district administrator told the board that the contract includes the TAP specialist positions and that the district will post for two specialists following board approval.

Directors asked for ongoing reporting and fiscal checkpoints. Several members said they supported the program’s goals but asked administration to track program growth, hiring costs and the district share over time so those figures can be reflected in future budget planning.

Administration gave details about who qualifies and where services will be housed: TAP specialists will be based at the high school; eligible students are high‑school students with IEPs or 504 plans who are candidates for IVRS pre‑employment transition services. Staff noted TAP supplements but does not replace existing special‑education transition planning.

The board did not take a separate vote on funding at the meeting; staff said the TAP contract authority and any related budget adjustments would be processed through the regular consent or contract approval procedures and that the district will report back on hiring timelines and program enrollment.