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Brazosport ISD reviews renewal of shared-service seats with Sierra Schools for middle/high behavioral supports
Summary
District staff recommended renewing a shared-service agreement with Angleton ISD to purchase three seats in Sierra Schools' day program (grades 6'0) for social and behavioral interventions at a cost of roughly $124,000; the program will remain an option for students needing more intensive support than existing district programs.
Brazosport ISD staff presented a recommended renewal of a shared-service agreement that secures three seats for district students in a day-school program operated by Sierra Schools through Angleton ISD. The program serves students with demonstrated social and behavioral needs in grades 6 through 8 (presenter said placement currently covers grades 6'0), and the district noted the cost for the coming school year is a little over $124,000.
Why it matters: the agreement provides an additional placement option for students who have not been successful in less-restrictive settings and supplements the district's own behavioral program, known in the presentation as FEST. Last school year, all three contracted seats were used at different times; administrators said they expect to start the coming year with one spot filled and two available for new or returning students who meet the placement criteria.
Staff explained that Sierra Schools provides social and behavioral interventions and that the district will continue to evaluate needs, potential high-cost special-education reimbursements, and other placement options if a higher level of care is required. Administrators noted the TEA publishes a high-cost reimbursement threshold after the school year starts; reimbursement may offset part of the placement and transportation costs in some cases.
The administration recommended approval of the shared-service agreement renewal and authorization for the superintendent to sign the contract. A motion to approve the agreement was moved during the meeting; the provided transcript excerpt does not contain the second or the recorded vote for this specific motion within the snippet available, so the final board disposition is not shown in the provided transcript.
Less critical details: staff said students who demonstrate success in the placement may transition back to their home campus, while others may require longer-term placement. The district noted its internal supports, including BCBAs and its FEST behavioral program, and said it will continue to explore additional placements if demand exceeds available seats.
