School Board proposes move of access program to Coron for improved student support

The St. Charles CUSD 303 Board of Education meeting on April 14, 2025, spotlighted a significant transition for the district's access program, with plans to relocate classrooms from Anderson Elementary to Koren Elementary. This move aims to enhance educational opportunities for students with special needs, providing them with improved resources and instructional spaces.

During the meeting, district officials emphasized the importance of creating the best possible school days for students in the access program. The transition to Koren is designed to facilitate small group instruction and foster collaboration between access teachers and general education staff. "We recognize that another transition of our program is not ideal," one official noted, acknowledging the challenges faced in previous years. However, they believe this change will ultimately benefit students by offering more flexibility and better support services.

The new location at Koren will not only provide additional occupational therapy and sensory spaces but also allow for increased storage and operational efficiency for the entire school community. The district plans to have two sections of the access program at Munhall, two at Fox Ridge, and three at Koren, which includes a new kindergarten section.

To support this transition, the district is looking to enhance its staffing profile by adding a speech and language pathology assistant and a paraprofessional. These additions aim to ensure that all buildings are adequately staffed to meet the needs of students.

Professional development for staff is also a priority, with plans to continue working with Star Autism Support to provide training and coaching. This initiative will help educators implement best practices and create supportive classroom environments as they adapt to the new program structure.

The board's discussions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students with autism and similar needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support throughout their educational journey. As the district moves forward with these changes, it aims to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.