In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant concerns regarding the supervision and organization of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) within the district's special education program. An audit revealed that the current supervision structure is inadequate, with only one special education program manager overseeing multiple roles across eight school sites. This has led to insufficient monitoring and support for SLPs, who also rely on various school administrators for evaluations.

The audit highlighted a lack of written guidance for SLPs, which had been previously available but was discontinued. The existing special education implementation manual was deemed too general to address specific needs. Interviews with SLPs indicated that supervision opportunities are inconsistent, limiting collaboration and support among staff.

To address these issues, the audit recommended the development of comprehensive written guidance for SLPs, regular training on this guidance, and an evaluation of the current supervision structure. Additionally, it called for improved systems to facilitate collaboration and establish clear communication channels for addressing SLP concerns.

Concerns were also raised about the evaluation of contract SLPs, with officials noting that while district employees receive oversight, external contractors may not have the same level of support. The discussion underscored a broader issue of inconsistency in policy enforcement across the district, which could negatively impact academic outcomes for students.

The meeting concluded with a call for the district's leadership to address these inconsistencies to ensure equitable support and resources for all SLPs, regardless of their employment status or school site.