Finance committee refers IDEA-funded specialist position to full board to address chronic absenteeism for students with disabilities

The finance committee on Monday voted to refer to the full board a proposal to create a ‘‘community specialist for learner engagement and attendance’’ paid from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds to address chronic absenteeism among students with individualized education programs (IEPs). Ms. McKinley, a district staff member who presented the proposal, told the committee: "As we all know, chronic absenteeism among students with disabilities is disproportionately high and directly impacts academic progress, IEP goal attainment, and long term outcomes." The committee referred the item by a 2-1 vote, with Jennifer Perez, finance committee chair, and Maritza Estermeier Jimenez voting in favor and Willie Medina voting no. The position would be funded by IDEA and is intended to support implementation of the district's corrective action…