During a recent school board meeting, significant discussions centered around enhancing support services for students with disabilities and improving intervention strategies in high schools.

The board approved a request for an agreement with Stepping Stones Group for occupational therapy services, utilizing state Early Childhood (EC) funds not to exceed $82,000. This initiative aims to provide essential support through certified occupational therapy assistants across multiple schools, ensuring that students receive the necessary care.

Additionally, the board greenlit a contract with Kilpatrick Speech Therapy Services for speech language services, also funded through state EC resources, with a budget of up to $120,000. This service will cater to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at Taro and Southmont Elementary Schools, addressing the needs of children with disabilities for the upcoming school year.

In a move to enhance educational interventions at the high school level, the board discussed the implementation of EdFiciency FlexCore software. This program, which had a successful pilot at Oak Grove High School, is designed to optimize student grouping for intervention classes based on individual needs. The subscription cost is set at $25,710.70, funded through state at-risk resources. The software aims to balance class sizes and improve the effectiveness of intervention strategies, benefiting all high school students.

The board expressed optimism about these initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to providing adequate resources and support for students requiring specialized services. The discussions highlighted a proactive approach to addressing educational challenges and ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to succeed.