Board reviews special education plan; district reports 438 students receiving services

Dr. Houston reviewed the district's special education plan and its monitoring status, telling the board the draft plan was posted for public review and that the district's cyclical monitoring by the state is scheduled for May 6.

"We have 438 special education students as of this year's December 1 child count," Dr. Houston said, adding that special education represents roughly 19.1% of the district's enrollment. He told the board outside placements have decreased from 34 students to 27, and noted the district remains above the state average for least-restrictive-environment placement metrics: 76.4% of special education students are served in regular classrooms 80% or more of the day versus a cited state average of 61.6%.

Dr. Houston described program supports that include autistic support and emotional support classrooms, contracted physical and occupational therapy, and supplementary aids. He said Positive Behavior Support and a move toward trauma-informed Tac 2 train-the-trainer programming will be priorities for the coming year.

The presentation also covered compliance timelines: the district posted the draft plan for public review on April 1, the final plan must be submitted to the Bureau of Special Education by May 1, and the state will advise if changes are required. "This is a fluid document that we can make changes to," Dr. Houston said.

Board members asked clarifying questions about caseloads, identification methods and outside placements; Dr. Houston explained the district uses a discrepancy model for identification and that staff will continue professional development in IEP writing and structured literacy.

Administrators encouraged public questions and directed those with follow-ups to contact Dr. Houston by email for details not addressed during the meeting.