Southwest Metro superintendent introduces district, pledges no special-education wait lists next year

Jeff Forde, superintendent of Southwest Metro Intermediate District 288, told the ISD 191 Board of Education on April 10 that his district serves as an associate intermediate district and will not maintain special-education wait lists for the coming school year. "We are reorganizing our systems and our staffing model to accommodate that. So I'm very excited to share that we will not have any wait lists for this coming year," Forde said.

The superintendent said Southwest Metro provides a range of services that supplement primary intermediate services for districts, including special education placements outside traditional settings, career and technical education, adult learning, care-and-treatment programs, online schools and alternative learning centers. "When you can't figure out how to get it done anywhere else, you come to us and we're gonna find a way for you," he said, describing his district's role as a partner for districts with excess needs or placement challenges.

Forde described a recent internal review and planning process: six comprehensive needs assessments in areas including teaching and learning, human resources, finance, safety and security, communications and facilities; a "portrait of a graduate" campaign; and a strategic plan that will guide the district's budget. He said those processes included "about a thousand different engagements" in his first 100 days and more than 38,000 engagements districtwide in plan development.

Board members thanked Forde for the update and asked clarifying questions about program overlaps and adult learning. Director Ault asked whether the district's adult programs overlapped with ISD 191's transition program for ages 18 to 22; Forde replied that the transition programs are distinct but that Southwest Metro could support transition services if needed and that its adult learning program accepts older learners.

The presentation was introductory; no board action was taken. Forde offered to take questions after the meeting and to be a resource for placement needs.

Ending: The board heard the update early in the meeting; staff and board members said they appreciated the partnership offer and the district plans to continue coordinating on placements and services.