[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6339810,"mediaKeyId","2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005","parentId",2260730,"title","District outlines special‑education continuum, small‑class cohorts and aid inequities at work session","audioSeconds",701,"startMs",3319000,"endMs",4020000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005&start=3319&end=4020","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005/thumbnail_3319000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6339810/New-York/District-outlines-specialeducation-continuum-smallclass-cohorts-and-aid-inequities-at-work-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339810-5857537bf3cbf72c02b155373dfa656c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208036&Signature=eBwqtK3NNNbB8iTzvdZ0cfGLbut4roy6sNAagHvCTDAQ0sJojoynRRybRbjEZgHyDZd9X73wDRe5AvhuQHqz2JfX8NfnF~M2Bti1rXFD89nG7bF78eDS29PkAsjDR2Dq8uXEEkvmV4b3Wpxi9TyhNRHKy7~TKUXKeEFSl~LnZzmhCZs7b0uK9-KCQeTtkVZSgTYUehcrvLC-5e5zN7GPWeg88k~WwUoqpBjYLCRz3-xahk4BqjuvO9BGYEHwPhJstOukPibCUDR0uEkBMHycT0XL-~7G6vjSToAr8exwpKd5rve8BsaGuiV4uisxRPH~QnSjVhO24M8vqWugmgYR9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-10T15:49:32Z","article","Lynnbrook officials reviewed the district’s continuum of special‑education services and described new small‑class placements and capacity planning while flagging aid inequities that make in‑district services costly.

Mrs. Sabin (director of special services) told the board that the continuum is governed by “part 200 of the commissioner's regulation” and that the district’s approach emphasizes the least‑restrictive environment. She summarized allowable supports ranging from related services (speech, occupational and physical therapy) and resource room settings (resource groups up to five students) to integrated co‑teaching (ICT) and special classes with no general‑education students.

The nut graf: Administrators outlined where small cohorts are located, described enrollment caps, and warned that state aid rules do not sufficiently reimburse the district for keeping high‑need students in local classrooms.

Highlights and capacity details presented to the board included:

- Kindergarten center: The district added a new full‑day special class capped at 12 special‑education students, with blended time in ICT settings when appropriate.

- Marion Street and Waverly Park: The district operates smaller, higher‑need cohorts (maximum 8 students in some classes) for students whose needs exceed the full‑day 12‑student model; those classes include additional aides and related‑service support.

- Secondary schools (North and South): Small classes carry caps of 12 (smallest cohort) and 15 for other special classes; classes include special‑education teachers and aides and opportunities for integration in specials and electives.

Mrs. Sabin explained that some classes are under capacity and the district has in the past accepted out‑of‑district students for tuition when space allowed. Board members asked about relative costs; one trustee said small classes and related services can cost “easily a quarter of a million dollars apiece or more” to run. A staff member described in‑district placements as still cheaper than many out‑of‑district placements once transportation and placement fees are considered and reiterated a district administrative estimate that some outplacements can cost $80,000–$100,000 per student.

Administrators again criticized the state aid treatment of in‑district placements, echoing earlier budget remarks that districts must spend roughly $70,000 before the state begins to aid certain in‑district special‑education costs while outplacement aid thresholds differ. Mrs. Sabin noted BOCES and approved nonpublic placements exist but often have wait lists, so local capacity reduces the need to place students in interim home instruction while awaiting out‑of‑district slots.

Ending: Trustees thanked staff for the detailed review and were reminded that individual placement decisions remain the purview of the Committee on Special Education and will continue to be made case‑by‑case under part 200 rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Work Session - January 22th, 2025 - Lynbrook Public Schools","oneSentenceSummary","The Lynnbrook special‑education director described the district's multi‑level continuum under part 200 of the commissioner's regulation, including new full‑day and small‑class cohorts, and administrators and trustees warned that state aid formulas penalize districts that keep high‑need students in‑district.","taxTitle","LYNBROOK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38794,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6339815,"Lynnbrook administrators preview state diploma changes and local curriculum shifts including Coursera, AP Seminar and writing lab move",312,1730000,2042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005&start=1730&end=2042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005/thumbnail_1730000.jpg","/articles/6339815/New-York/Lynnbrook-administrators-preview-state-diploma-changes-and-local-curriculum-shifts-including-Coursera-AP-Seminar-and-writing-lab-move","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339815-b6912b13dce0288c2432de6bec23e130/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208036&Signature=dJCga18T2H1v1Q9TluagYH3Uef959~~lr1fgEqyaBGd2TwL5-ZEBTrY~OOlpDcIwTYjhgilR9qDS8w6veneaMcNR9vV4xRafldDZY6ljF7-K0cToIt4usg6ADug-S-F-k8h5Xug5a2HvdNxy2UnVljLgZohSw4LuhahvdH3X3XqawDzzF8wWszOwAs6Nj5~gB~RuTYRS-PbmBeR5wn3ID-kPjPVvFJEjzgCcvpAjvf9KyKOCme6HaExKx9xh9scxj1QhdxsROqb1bI~wIKGvo4QG7ybo8PX1o9MCugdfCF35au29ePt2RytJ9hmygs3hCGyNM1v~rsb4vi~3el3ViA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District curriculum leaders told the Board of Education the state’s proposed changes to graduation requirements could accelerate local efforts to broaden student pathways and shift how the district schedules middle‑ and high‑school coursework.

Dr. Bleckus (staff member) told the board that state materials describe the “cohort of 2025” as the current eighth graders and that the State Education Department’s proposal would, if adopted, remove many Regents passing requirements and replace multiple diploma types with a single New York State high‑school diploma supplemented by seals and other credentials. “When the state department talks about the cohort of, 2025, they are talking about our current eighth graders,” he said.

The nut graf: Administrators said the district plans several program changes — some already piloted — to give students more elective and career‑focused options while strengthening reading and writing across subjects.

Key local proposals discussed include:

- Coursera and micro‑credentials: The district plans to offer Coursera‑based options at the high school to let students earn industry or university credentials (examples cited included vendor‑delivered certificates such as Google tech credentials).

- AP Seminar pilot and AP Capstone pathway: The district will pilot AP Seminar this year as an English elective. If students complete AP Seminar and AP Research and meet AP score thresholds alongside other assessments, they can earn an AP Capstone diploma, district staff said.

- Middle‑school schedule and writing lab: Administrators propose reducing an existing 1.5‑period math block in eighth grade to one period and replacing the other half with an expanded English/writing lab to bolster literacy before high school. Dr. Bleckus said this change would allow the same teacher to provide continuity across both periods in some cases.

- Learning labs redesigned as humanities and STEM labs: Current learning labs attached to inclusion classes will be replaced with subject‑specific labs so students receive supports alongside general‑education peers when appropriate.

- Streamlined secondary reading: The district will group students who need phonics instruction so they learn in common periods, freeing elective access for students who do not need pull‑out reading services.

Board members asked about the timetable and the state process; Dr. Bleckus noted that the State Education Department materials on the proposal carry a disclaimer that the Board of Regents has not yet ratified the changes and that timelines remain uncertain.

Ending: Staff said the district will pilot several of these offerings in the near term and monitor state rule‑making; a March budget presentation and the April state aid runs will inform whether program expansions are feasible within the 2025–26 budget.","At the Jan. 22 work session, district curriculum staff outlined how proposed state changes to diploma requirements could dovetail with local plans to expand electives, pilot AP Seminar and reorganize middle‑school schedules to strengthen literacy and elective access.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6339818,"Lynnbrook board told state aid rise eases but budget pressures remain, including 68% jump in transportation costs",522,836000,1358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005&start=836&end=1358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260730-478dcdb392f35afdaebe0647ea677005/thumbnail_836000.jpg","/articles/6339818/New-York/Lynnbrook-board-told-state-aid-rise-eases-but-budget-pressures-remain-including-68-jump-in-transportation-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339818-eb9aefcb06f347d1b4b2a42b931cfaaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208036&Signature=TKsYPDRL3yzdcvGutHf58jZjKf-93QHP7AjaMOZ-cRNSC373WxBf31fAdwbb6y6Zgs-kSOTDPci2J3uDUjAzVdkZwb3oYZ51QK4b3yuYTUYag5UqVCcMPDIbKMrEGUUaO4-ta-dg0R9t7Ar1kLgQNc9bZPg5lrvJuMtfWONlPyytMEAv5wJR3KOGU8fvMIVxpgOiAHN-IJMi2RA86Lo1WI9wvTXFqYG5pPm3KdT4cUQbseWKe28Y85UYRhjot1WfScGm29ECC3vd9EGFB-S36Mr7qv-YkPjCnJGndm1IG28m2-Gbylc9QM2Jtokukp6DtlHVzwV24H~B9bNaJXyhrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lynnbrook school leaders said a proposed uptick in state foundation aid offered a reprieve but not a fix for deep, structural budget pressures as the district begins building its 2025–26 spending plan.

Dr. Lynch (staff member) told the Board of Education on Jan. 22 that the governor’s executive budget appears to include an increase in foundation aid for the district and that a change to the state’s poverty metric would mean “surprise, surprise, that equals a million more dollars in aid.” He urged trustees and residents to continue lobbying Albany even as the district prepares for likely reductions elsewhere.

The nut graf: District officials said the extra money helps but will not cover rising costs tied to special education, transportation, security and mental-health programming — areas they described as mission-critical and largely uncovered by current state formulas.

District leaders outlined where pressures are concentrated. Dr. Lynch said the state’s current funding rules require the district to “spend $70,000 of your money before the state even starts to aid us on kids that we're keeping in the district,” meaning aid for in‑district special‑education placements begins only after very high per‑student expenditures. By contrast, he said, placing a student out of district can qualify the district for aid beginning above roughly $23,000 in costs, a discrepancy he called “backwards.”

Officials also highlighted a sharp transportation cost increase. Dr. Lynch said that because the district had not rebid transportation since 2011, its vendor had renewed on inflationary terms for years and is now seeking a new contract. When the district solicited bids, he said, the transportation contract rebid produced a 68% increase that “now has to hit this budget.”

Another program cost that is not matched in the state formula is the district’s security staffing, officials said. Dr. Lynch told the board the district recently created a security force of retired law‑enforcement personnel and that “nowhere in the funding formula is that expense matched.” He framed the spending as a local priority that Albany’s aid rules currently do not cover.

Board members and staff said they have begun internal budget reductions and will defer adoption of a final budget until April to await state numbers. At the meeting Mr. Belmont (board president) told administrators they were conducting “very hard looks” at building and program budgets; Dr. Lynch said administrators had been cooperative and that the district aims to preserve classroom programs to the extent possible.

Officials asked trustees and community members to push legislators for adjustments in aid formulas and other fixes. Dr. Lynch said he will prepare sample messaging the board can use with state lawmakers.

Ending: The district’s business official, Mr. Press (staff member), is scheduled to present the detailed 2025–26 budget proposal in March; administrators said the board is likely to adopt a final budget in April after state aid numbers are finalized.","At a Jan. 22 work session, district leaders said a proposed increase in state foundation aid would add roughly $1 million but warned of persistent unfunded mandates and large cost increases in transportation, special education and security that will shape the 2025–26 budget.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District outlines special‑education continuum, small‑class cohorts and aid inequities at work session

Lynnbrook administrators preview state diploma changes and local curriculum shifts including Coursera, AP Seminar and writing lab move

Lynnbrook board told state aid rise eases but budget pressures remain, including 68% jump in transportation costs