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Special programs report: district sees rise in special education referrals, evaluations and specialized‑class enrollments
Summary
The special programs department told trustees that evaluations, Section 504 plans and special education enrollments have risen, increasing workload and costs; the board heard about program staffing, timelines for evaluations and state compliance results.
The Eagle Mountain‑Saginaw ISD special programs department reported to the board March 31 that special education referrals and initial evaluations have risen sharply this school year and that the district now serves about 4,365 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Dr. Hughes (Special Programs presenter) told trustees the district completed 1,011 initial evaluations last year; year‑to‑date the district has completed 663 initial evaluations with another 232 pending at the time of the report. Staff said federal and state timelines require most initial evaluations to be completed within 45 school days, a process that averaged about 20 staff hours per evaluation and roughly $1,500–$2,000 in district cost per initial evaluation — costs for which the district receives no dedicated state or federal reimbursement.
The department also reported 2,098 students served under Section 504 plans (accommodations), with 1,279 of 2,240 identified dyslexia students receiving direct dyslexia intervention in special education and 961 receiving accommodations via 504 plans. In total, special education enrollment represented roughly 18.2% of district enrollment at the time of the report, an increase of about 11% since 2021.
Special programs staff told trustees the district has about 90–95 specialized classrooms across campuses and noted staffing and facilities remain a high priority as new students move into the district and as children who previously received early‑intervention services arrive without those supports. The department said it has maintained 100% compliance on certain state performance indicators and highlighted transition work including Summer Earn & Learn placements (23 students) and AIMS 18+ employment transition supports.
Ending: Trustees thanked the special programs team and directed staff to continue monitoring evaluation backlogs and to return with staffing and budget implications as planning for 2025–26 continues.
