[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6660539,"mediaKeyId","2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b","parentId",2434890,"title","Milan Area Schools reports steady special-education caseload, outlines staffing and funding mix","audioSeconds",2081,"startMs",94000,"endMs",2175000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b&start=94&end=2175","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b/thumbnail_94000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6660539/Michigan/Milan-Area-Schools-reports-steady-special-education-caseload-outlines-staffing-and-funding-mix","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660539-396f7ecbe9f57fbe33d48001ae19c620/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040530&Signature=lOVAykcItCHsdvk0iUk7hEu7rMfKDC9gu0Yzq7i05JLQV7gQK78zhwT6P6qrWct9LQLbPaUP4yB03TFUZBVPBHj-~07HpMjwtxiFgdGk6yoQilvxCTjbSgzyJpfLlxQeyuxd1FTZexDPuccFBq9Sh18SP-fFvhoIulgh4N2cqj4ecIdmNuAPhi9zs6RGbsry97AdKEUzBLXMAtpenrRUa5QUYL4V~uy90q8fnVEFfaO-Eh~Ytlx7dDLuszfYUCycGqjI6Gbj67qvHFeNu-CUkup9-pSsg0ePyUrq~o17o1Sz7exQtNRdu9JopnGLNF1TwSdw3lMyNcJn-5Yxep1XKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Milan Area Schools","date","2025-02-27T19:18:02.85Z","article","Lon Smith delivered an update Feb. 26 to the Milan Area Schools Board of Education on the district\furrent special-education population, staffing and funding. At the time he pulled the report, about 300 students had Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), roughly 15 to 16 percent of the district\u000enrollment.

Smith told the board the total is within a typical range for districts and noted the percentage \"ebbs and flows.\" He said the district employs 19 special-education teachers, six speech-language pathologists (one part time), six social workers (including a districtwide social worker who also provides supervision), two psychologists split between preschool–fourth grade and fifth–12th grade, three behavior specialists and part-time contracted occupational and physical therapists. Smith said service models range from full inclusion to self-contained classrooms depending on individual needs.

Smith summarized the district\u000early-childhood special-education (ECSE) classroom for 3- to 5-year-olds (currently one half-day section, Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon), a new middle-school resource-room block for targeted ELA and math support, and the Milan Young Adult program for students who have completed four years of high school and receive a certificate of completion (students remain eligible for services through age 26 under Michigan rules). He described the Young Adult program as community-based instruction with supported employment, budgeting and daily-living skills; staff sometimes transport students to job sites and stores.

Smith described the role of teacher consultants (TCs) as case managers who coordinate services, write and schedule IEPs, collaborate with general-education teachers and paraprofessionals, and log required accommodations. He said speech pathologists may act as case managers for students whose only IEP service is speech, and behavior specialists lead functional behavior assessment and staff training. The district\ristrictwide social worker was added to connect families to community resources and to provide supervision for social workers working toward licensure.

On funding, Smith said allowable special-education costs submitted to the state totaled just over $5,000,000 last year. He described the reimbursement process as layered: state reimbursement of roughly 35 percent of allowable costs, then use of Act 18 millage funds administered through the intermediate school district (ISD) to cover additional local portions. Smith also said federal IDEA flow-through funds provide just over $500,000 to the district for specific uses; he emphasized that those federal dollars are not \"double-dipping\" with state reporting because IDEA-funded expenditures are tracked separately.

Smith warned that if IDEA flow-through funding were reduced, there would be an impact but said the district
ct 18 millage renewal (voters approved a renewal last November) provides a buffer. He said Congress originally authorized funding up to 40 percent of a state's special-education costs but federal funding has historically been much lower (Smith referenced past estimates around 18 percent). He told the board district leaders would monitor changes and would prioritize maintaining services for students.

Parents and board members asked follow-up questions. A parent, Andrea Benick, praised unified-sports opportunities and suggested a short handbook for paraprofessionals covering acronyms, de-escalation techniques and starting tips so newly hired paras could be effective immediately. Smith described annual para professional development he provides (a full day before the school year, including de-escalation training and rotating topical sessions), the ISD\foordinated \"para boot camp,\" and school-specific professional development days. He said para training is often split between elementary and secondary needs.

Board members pressed Smith on transition planning for older students. Smith said transition planning begins in ninth grade (the IEP must include transition planning by age 16) and is individualized: some students prepare for four-year college, others for trade school or employment, and some will enter the Milan Young Adult program. Transition plans include vocational assessment, career exploration and practical life steps such as budgeting and navigating community agencies.

Board members also asked about potential increases in family needs if federal cuts to food assistance or Medicaid occur. Smith said the district is preparing by coordinating with local agencies, and the district social worker is contacting community partners to be ready to connect families confidentially. He recommended continuing support for the districtwide social worker position as a high-impact investment.

A public commenter asked why a family\u000family
n insurance company might be billed for special-education care; the transcript records the question but not a detailed response at the meeting.

No formal board action or vote on policy or budget changes was taken Feb. 26; the presentation and public comments were recorded as informational.

Ending: The district scheduled a parent information night and Smith said another session is planned March 12. Board members thanked Smith for the presentation and signaled continued support for staffing and para professional development.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milan Area Schools Board of Education Meeting February 26th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lon Smith told the Milan Area Schools Board of Education Feb. 26 that about 300 students in the district had Individualized Education Programs and outlined staffing, programs from preschool to a young-adult transition program and a funding mix of state reimbursement, Act 18 millage and federal flow-through (IDEA) dollars.","taxTitle","Milan Area Schools, School Boards, Michigan","taxId",38834,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6660526,"Milan bowling teams qualify for state; district transportation mechanics honored",450,3750000,4200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b&start=3750&end=4200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b/thumbnail_3750000.jpg","/articles/6660526/Michigan/Milan-bowling-teams-qualify-for-state-district-transportation-mechanics-honored","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660526-236d50914f6513f1543cf75b7130de25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040530&Signature=ETvlmZA-jlENSjZ3aJw~nkE5U~-5ESS6dnzOz7WAjx-rRZ7sEliZu9shyvYwfaUFC1KC69AtiRowDilWESGSmc~RqbFbpbupn-CxEhfjkmIacX-hv~Ub5rRiYxX-Eoc0rk9DVt7cC-ejAgMaI26rlH2doutVAlnTEVL4MC1N9ebKulKuY1kVPtMZHMa~Dh3BBVmgji8ucrcDbaTzeTqSFKr~7Bo06Xwg43IlTqpKhOZVkwydm8sI-vbm2b0IJ1qCRBTK0rSFwOQjGZ44Ev7grPLC0UJhiw9FfJLaUq0SCijniaItHJu-gG0OPzUpEkvBnf87pQN6tC37vGg1IA1dfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Brian Gierbaugh highlighted extracurricular achievements and operations during superintendent comments at the Feb. 26 board meeting.

Milan High School had multiple individual bowlers qualify for state competition and both the girls
nd boys\u000boys' varsity teams qualified as teams for the state finals for the second consecutive year. Gierbaugh noted junior Maggie Smith and senior Max Jenison finished first in their regional fields and freshman Brady Crawford finished sixth to become the first Milan freshman boys state qualifier.

Gierbaugh also reported that the Milan Transportation Department achieved a 100 percent pass rate on state police bus inspections for the 2023'024 and 2024'025 inspection cycles and said the district has maintained a green-tag pass record for 23 consecutive years. He said mechanics received a state police \"challenge coin,\" a rare honor given to individuals recognized for prioritizing student-transportation safety.

The superintendent announced upcoming performances: Milan High School will present Seussical the Musical (April performances listed) and Milan Middle School will stage The Wizard of Oz (dates listed in district communications). Gierbaugh also listed tryout dates for Milan High School cheer and girls soccer and reminded families there is no school on the professional-development day referenced.

Ending: The district encouraged community members to attend upcoming performances and athletic events and thanked transportation and extracurricular staff for their contributions.","Milan's boys' and girls' varsity bowling teams qualified for state competition and mechanics received a rare state police \"challenge coin\" for student-transportation safety; the district also announced spring performances and local athletic tryouts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6660531,"Paddock principal Sean Desarbo announces departure; district names interim principal",1035,3005000,4040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b&start=3005&end=4040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b/thumbnail_3005000.jpg","/articles/6660531/Michigan/Paddock-principal-Sean-Desarbo-announces-departure-district-names-interim-principal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660531-4934517be7088c59de37d4a4630eba47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040530&Signature=ZU89Veez~L70wWHtj8IVgbmU8m5Lmp0PhgvN4vsH4zRdc-kQm2qhK0oMkB54NsVVS6kiwBr20IiC2o2hC4CSr6fRXmXPr8iZczt8HhXzFfixncQ1X5zs2cLxiWXopP31-C7orJMKTLaTWOerriP3BICrQvpMZu8QUX4HJ7n5z~IHFZJbBg6YAC9DwIt9Drf5QpReQMthYbf3kb7YgT1sVe4aCe9SMNq4RKYXpoZ-OO6oYAGBr2zEpBMZqFQ-feANIs2qt2WllayjzLz1Dk6Du-dS3O3gZqXzg8odo885CU0CebDBnGfjNaq4TGMcBg373UOtU5TFJFjRqapi8a9Bwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sean Desarbo, the principal of Paddock Elementary School, addressed the board Feb. 26 and reflected on 16 years at Paddock and 30 years in public education. He thanked board members, families and staff and said he would be stepping away from his role; Desarbo expressed appreciation for the district's support and colleagues.

During superintendent comments, the board announced Nancy Tetons will serve as interim principal at Paddock beginning March 17 and continuing for the remainder of the 2024'025 school year. The district is posting for a permanent principal with a July 1 start date.

Board members publicly praised Desarbo\resarbo\u000for his longtime service and attendance at the meeting; trustees said they and community members would miss him and thanked him for his leadership. The board also said it looks forward to the March 4 Big Red Board Chat for community input on the principal selection process.

Ending: The board will proceed with internal posting and hiring for a July 1 start and thanked Desarbo and staff for their service during the transition.
","Principal Sean Desarbo, who said he has 16 years as Paddock principal and 30 years in education, addressed the board Feb. 26 and the board announced Nancy Tetons will serve as interim Paddock principal starting March 17 through the 2024'025 school year while the district conducts a search for a July 1 hire.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6660536,"Board schedules conversation with assistant superintendent as part of superintendent-selection process",261,3249000,3510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b&start=3249&end=3510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434890-6421017dda00896a3e1f84d2d7192c8b/thumbnail_3249000.jpg","/articles/6660536/Michigan/Board-schedules-conversation-with-assistant-superintendent-as-part-of-superintendent-selection-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660536-9b75ed4ab5de2a6657d2ad5426972e8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771040530&Signature=EDBQBGvLAijt4jRuRaweHvX6rqE7nFph1SA8rm7Udr~hprbWIcD-~RD1fmketINWTRGiAKTy8HRHlNsnDpWqWTtu1OP~jKSRI~qUuurNySA9wEC5nGjWtvHIQMt7zpwEachXVhF0Pd0~mYQMuwwnh8crVe-hLgHp2iv3Rb9ItNY0VoVOyySM7t2P7YJFBxgKCcJ9PXDlpO3qlOX3UuNDQZhlTfOS~y8hWuUVlD2oKlCThNPBHLh8NxTRM9SU8ZiFWjl-8ogpW46Z3gw51gbg2elSBReoM-qLrGdCdHUuILExBYWmaw2Jq3odsuSToQZXqoGZ9TPZVet-FLPF3jrHmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milan Area Schools Board of Education set the next step in its superintendent-selection process during its Feb. 26 meeting, asking Assistant Superintendent McMahon to appear at the open board meeting on March 12 and to provide either a written vision statement or an in-person presentation in advance.

Board members said they will hold a community engagement session, the \"Big Red Board Chat,\" at 6:30 p.m. March 4 at Simons Elementary School to gather input intended for the March 12 conversation. Personnel committee members President Sislow, Mr. Farrow and Miss Gutierrez will host the March 4 session and compile feedback for the board.

Miss Gutierrez presented a draft guidance document the board plans to share with McMahon to focus his remarks. The document asks the candidate to address: building on the current administration; steps to maintain and improve educational excellence and staff support; equity and inclusion; innovation and adaptability; community engagement; and financial sustainability and long-term growth. Miss Gutierrez said about two-thirds of respondents to the superintendent-search survey prefer a candidate with a similar educational and management philosophy who can make necessary changes.

Board members confirmed that the March 12 meeting will include an open conversation between McMahon and trustees following any written or presented material. The board asked community members who want topics raised during the March 12 meeting to submit input at the March 4 Big Red Board Chat or via the board\u000email address.

Ending: The board said it will present the guidance draft to McMahon and proceed with the March 4 and March 12 events as part of a transparent community-informed selection process.","Milan Area Schools trustees asked Assistant Superintendent McMahon to present a written vision or in-person statement at the March 12 board meeting and invited community input at a March 4 \"Big Red Board Chat.\" The board provided topics it wants addressed in advance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Milan Area Schools reports steady special-education caseload, outlines staffing and funding mix

Milan bowling teams qualify for state; district transportation mechanics honored

Paddock principal Sean Desarbo announces departure; district names interim principal

Board schedules conversation with assistant superintendent as part of superintendent-selection process