Candidates highlight special-education audit and call for clearer metrics

Four candidates for the Bethlehem Central School District board said improving special education is a priority and described the district's recent steps and remaining gaps.

Meredith Moriarty said the district "engaged outside consultants to review our special education department" and that she's "excited to see that report" so the board can "suss out" what is working and what needs change. She added the district will have personnel changes, including "an interim director and an assistant director," and said the board should review whether the department's structure is appropriate.

Holly Delenbaugh, a current board member, echoed that the audit was intended to "flag where we need to make some improvements" and said the district should implement changes based on the consultants' findings. Delenbaugh also cited the district's IDEA dashboard, saying Bethlehem is "now considered to meet requirements" and reported a 93% metric on that measure while noting the district still has "room for improvement." Sarah Bailey pointed to research on the value of special-education services and urged clearer communication and family-facing guidance on how programs and groupings are formed.

Candidates described specific data they would seek. Moriarty asked for information on how often special-education students are moved between schools; Bailey proposed a satisfaction survey for families to capture navigation challenges and service gaps. Becky Van Wiedel said the board's role should focus on policy, metrics and supporting the department rather than managing daily operations.

All four candidates said the board should provide resources and fiscal oversight so the district can address deficiencies without undermining programs. None proposed cutting services; instead, they emphasized auditing, clearer reporting and targeted interventions.

The forum segment ended with candidates urging follow-up by the board and administration; Meredith said she would "ask for" the specific data points on student transitions, and other candidates said they would prioritize communication with families and staff.

The forum did not record any formal board action or vote on special-education policy; the candidates discussed priorities they would pursue if elected.