Special‑education director reports steady IEP rate, staffing turnover and two temporary ESP vacancies

Dr. Queally, the district’s special‑education director, told the School Committee that the district had 615 individualized education programs (IEPs) as of June, representing 17% of the student population, compared with a statewide rate of 20.6%. “So as of June, last year, our total number of IEPs in the district was 615,” Dr. Queally said.

She reported 50 out‑of‑district students and described staff turnover since the end of the school year, including one team chair, three psychologists, two occupational therapists, one physical therapist, one BCBA and three special‑education teachers who are new to the district or to different roles. Dr. Queally said two ESP vacancies remain in one program and that the district is exploring contracted ESPs for the short term while continuing local recruitment.

The director said the district used DESE SIMS data for the June snapshot because current enrollment is more variable as staff chase down records for families who moved in after June. She told the committee the special‑education data show no audit red flags, no over‑identification of particular disabilities and no overuse of formal discipline for students with IEPs.

Dr. Queally also thanked administrators for onboarding new staff and noted the district’s improved budget position, which gives more flexibility for contingency staffing if needed. When asked, she confirmed the two ESP vacancies are in the same program and said contracting with temporary providers would be a budget hit but is being considered to avoid prolonged temporary staffing in classrooms.