District reviews special‑education and ELL plans; staff propose integrated kindergarten option and shared services

Cohoes — District special‑programs leaders briefed the board on enrollment trends, related‑service needs and a proposed timeline for returning English‑language learners (E and L) to home schools.

Erin Hill, Director of Special Programs, told the board the district serves more than 400 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) across multiple in‑ and out‑of‑district placements. Hill said 12 incoming kindergarten students currently receiving special‑education services will enter kindergarten next year; the district’s existing functional‑skills classroom has 10 slots, so Hill presented an alternative: an integrated kindergarten class co‑taught by a general‑education teacher and a special‑education teacher, supported by aides and related services. Hill said the model is time‑limited and could be piloted at VanSkipe and later extended if successful.

Hill and Assistant Director Karen Renas said related‑service needs (speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy) will require additional contract or shared arrangements. Hill noted the district currently shares a physical‑therapy provider with Waterloo (and other neighboring districts) to create a full‑time position through shared service agreements. She requested 0.4 FTE of OT and two 1:1 aides be held as contingencies in the staffing plan in case individual students present high‑need safety or medical requirements at the start of the school year.

Parent outreach and transportation: Hill summarized a March 6 parent meeting about the proposed changes: 19 families were invited and 12 attended; translators were provided in Spanish, Ukrainian, Portuguese and Chinese. Two families expressed transportation concerns. Hill said transportation expenses are significant (she estimated about $300,000 currently spent on transporting students), and that roughly 90% of transportation costs are aidable — meaning the district recoups most of this expense in subsequent aid claims.

Timeline and board discussion: Hill and principals told the board they are prepared to implement the changes next school year but also proposed the option to delay for one year to allow more professional development and family planning. Board members said families and teachers want an answer soon; principals and staff said earlier notification helps staffing and scheduling. Mr. Burt, a building principal, said staff at his school were generally receptive but “nervous and excited” and asked for a timely decision.

Speakers: Erin Hill (Director of Special Programs); Karen Renas (Assistant Director); Jacqueline (ESL coordinator referenced); Mr. Burt (principal who commented during the meeting).

Clarifying details: Hill said 12 kindergarten students with special‑education placements are anticipated and that the district’s current functional‑skills class holds 10 students. Parent meeting attendance was 12 of 19 invited families; two families raised transportation concerns. Hill said transportation costs total roughly $300,000 and are about 90% aidable.

Ending: Hill asked the board for direction on timing; board members asked staff to return with implementation details and training plans and indicated a decision should be included on an upcoming agenda so families and staff can plan.