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North Andover outlines expanded special-education services and staffing plan
Summary
Director Lynn O'Neil told the School Committee the district now serves about 1,049 students on IEPs (23.8% of enrollment), described program changes including a third RISE classroom and new 18to22 Launch placement, and said the district is adding coordinator and assistant-principal roles to better align special and general education.
North Andover The School Committee heard a comprehensive update on the districtspecial-education program from Director Lynn O'Neil on Sept. 11, amid changes the district says are meant to keep more students in least-restrictive settings while strengthening services for students who need intensive supports.
O'Neil said the district's 202425 data show 1,049 students were on individualized education programs (IEPs), about 23.75% of the total enrollment of 4,416. "That is nearly a quarter of our student body," she said, and amounts to a higher share than the statewide average the district previously reported.
Why it matters: Special-education services account for significant staff and budget resources, and the district framed recent program shifts as both instructional and fiscal priorities. O'Neil described new staffing and program moves meant to improve access to grade-level curriculum, expand transition services for…
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