During a recent government meeting, Michelle presented the annual special education report, highlighting significant trends in the district's special education demographics. The report, based on data collected on December 1, 2023, revealed that 26.2% of students in the district are receiving special education services, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year's figure of 24.9%. This upward trend has been consistent over the past few years, with increases of 1.8% and 1.3% noted in prior years.

A particular area of concern is the category of \"other health impairment,\" which has consistently shown higher rates in the district compared to state averages. Since 2020, this category has experienced steady growth, with increases of 2.4%, 1.3%, and 1.5% over the last three years. The data indicates a growing need for special education resources and support within the district, prompting discussions on how to address these rising numbers effectively.