Committee refers University School contract for expelled-student services after extended questioning on slots, IEP compliance and outcomes

The Bridgeport Board of Education finance committee on Aug. 20 voted to refer the district's annual contract with University School — the district's primary placement for expelled students — to the full board after lengthy discussion about capacity, special-education services and oversight.

John (identified in the meeting as the University School representative) told the committee that the district purchases 30 slots from University School each year but that, because students move in and out of the program, approximately 50 different students were served in the previous year. He described the program as a mix of short diagnostic placements and longer-term placements for students with behavior or safety concerns.

John said many students sent to University School are evaluated there and that the placement is sometimes used as a diagnostic step when a student exhibits behavior that might be the manifestation of an underlying disability. "It's almost like a diagnostic placement," John said, describing situations where psychologists and social workers evaluate the student while they attend University School.

Committee members focused on whether students with IEPs receive services consistent with their plans. Miss Buchanan, speaking as district special-education staff, said she was not aware of any students who were sent from University School to out-of-district placements last year and confirmed that when a student with an IEP is expelled the district convenes a PPT meeting to plan for the expulsion placement. "There were no students that were sent out of district, in lieu of going to TUS nor any students with special education services who were sent from TUS to out of district placement last year," Miss Buchanan said.

Committee members discussed the historical importance of the University School program in the community and noted that it has provided a combination of academic and social supports for students who might otherwise be left without education while expelled. Members also asked for stronger district oversight of out-of-district placements generally and asked staff to ensure the district verifies certification and services at all contracted placements.

After discussion, the committee voted to refer the University School expelled-student contract to the full board for approval. The motion was moved and seconded in committee and passed by voice vote.

The committee requested that district staff provide the full board with documentation showing the current purchased slot number (30), the recent annual service counts (approximately 50 students served last year), and evidence of how the district verifies that contracted providers meet special-education certification and IEP implementation requirements.