The Pickerington Local School District Board of Education convened on April 22, 2024, to discuss the findings of a Special Education Audit presented by Nate Levinson, president of New Solutions K-12. The meeting aimed to address the current state of special education services within the district and outline recommendations for improvement.

The presentation began with Levinson providing an overview of the audit process, which included a comprehensive review of the district's special education programs. He highlighted key areas of focus, including compliance with federal regulations, the effectiveness of current services, and the overall satisfaction of families with the support provided to students with disabilities.

Following the introduction, Levinson detailed specific findings from the audit. He noted that while the district has made strides in certain areas, there are significant gaps that need to be addressed. These include the need for enhanced training for staff, improved communication with families, and better resource allocation to meet the diverse needs of students.

Board members engaged in a robust discussion following the presentation. They expressed concern over the identified gaps and emphasized the importance of implementing the recommended changes swiftly. Several board members highlighted the necessity of ongoing training for educators to ensure they are equipped to support students effectively.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for a strategic plan to address the audit's findings. The board agreed to schedule follow-up meetings to monitor progress and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to enhance the district's special education services.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities and the importance of collaboration between the board, educators, and families in achieving these goals.