Ralston School District enhances special education offerings and updates graduation requirements

The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning special education programs, graduation requirements, and ongoing construction projects within the district.

The meeting began with a detailed overview of the district's special education offerings. It was highlighted that Ralston has successfully increased its special education staffing over the past three years, making it the only fully staffed district in the metro area for the upcoming school year. The discussion included the expansion of early childhood classrooms, which will serve students with special needs four days a week. The district is also addressing staffing challenges, particularly in speech pathology, by hiring additional specialists to meet the needs of students.

A significant point of discussion was the transition programming for students with disabilities, which begins at age 14. The district is actively monitoring compliance with state requirements and has implemented new initiatives, such as the Ralston Inclusive Practices Academy, aimed at enhancing inclusive education practices across all schools.

The board also reviewed proposed changes to graduation requirements for high school students. Starting with the class of 2029, students will be required to complete English 1, English 2, and either English 3 or AP Language, while eliminating the separate composition course. This change aims to align the curriculum with state standards and better prepare students for college and career readiness.

In addition to academic discussions, the board addressed ongoing construction projects across the district. Updates were provided on renovations at Wildwood, Bloomfield, and Ralston High School, with an emphasis on the need for timely completion before the start of the school year. The board expressed optimism about the progress, despite some delays due to weather conditions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational offerings and infrastructure while ensuring compliance with state regulations. The board plans to revisit the graduation requirement proposal for approval at the next meeting, scheduled for June 23, 2025.