The Sharyland Independent School District (ISD) held a Regular Board Meeting on September 22, 2025, focusing on the evaluation of its special education program. The meeting featured Dr. Cindy Short from Stetson and Associates Consulting Group, who presented findings from a comprehensive evaluation aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

Dr. Short outlined the evaluation's purpose, which included assessing leadership, instruction, staffing, capacity building, and family engagement within the special education framework. She emphasized the importance of quality tier 1 instruction for all students, noting that only 64% of surveyed staff felt equipped to meet the needs of diverse learners. The evaluation revealed that Sharyland ISD serves approximately 10.5% of its students with special education needs, a figure lower than the state average. However, the district reported higher instances of certain disabilities, such as learning disabilities and autism.

Key findings highlighted the need for improved communication and support for special education staff. While most faculty felt supported by campus leadership, a significant portion expressed concerns about the district-level support. Dr. Short noted that many teachers perceived the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) as a pathway to special education referrals rather than a means to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

The evaluation also pointed out that while the district has a sufficient number of special education teachers relative to the number of students, there are concerns about the effective use of staff and resources. Dr. Short recommended developing a systematic training plan for teachers and paraprofessionals to address behavioral issues and improve instructional strategies.

Family engagement was another critical area of focus. Parents expressed satisfaction with the quality of services but indicated a desire for better social inclusion opportunities for their children. Dr. Short emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships between schools and families to enhance the educational experience for students with disabilities.

In conclusion, the board plans to share the evaluation findings with the community and collaborate with Dr. Short to develop an action plan addressing the identified areas for improvement. The meeting underscored Sharyland ISD's commitment to enhancing its special education services and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.