District to place 504 plans under special‑education umbrella; leaders say high‑school counseling remains understaffed

The DeSoto County School Board was told that management of 504 student accommodations will move under the district’s special‑education office to streamline services and provide more expertise for writing and supporting individualized plans. At the meeting Dr. Stafford, identified in the transcript as the district’s HR director, was asked to oversee the change and several administrators described the shift as aligning the job description so the special‑education office supervises the 504 function. "The job description calls for special ed to have the 504 piece under underneath Miss McCray," the HR director reported. Administrators said the change will give staff experienced in IEPs and special‑education processes responsibility for 504 plans, and they named staff who will support the work: Miss McCray (special‑education lead role as referenced), Jonathan Burnworth (support staff), Miss Lewis and members of high‑school administration including Dr. White and a dean, Mr. Grigg. Board discussion also highlighted a shortage of high‑school guidance counselors. Reynolds (presenting as district staff) and others said the district has had limited success hiring counselors this year and currently relies on a small number of staff to provide graduation and retention support. "At the end of the day, it's all about getting kids across the finish line and giving them a chance to be successful," Reynolds said of efforts to keep graduation rates high. Why it matters: shifting 504 oversight to special education changes how accommodations are administered and which staff handle plan development and parental support; the district said the change aims to streamline services and provide expertise but did not present a board motion adopting a permanent organizational chart during the meeting. No formal board vote on the reorganization was recorded; administrators described operational changes and named staff who will assume responsibilities.