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Board approves review of special education services; consultant to start July
Summary
The board approved a time-capped contract with Carol Potter to review special education staffing, programming, finances and IEP/due-process procedures; the work is estimated at 65–75 hours and roughly $12,000–$15,000.
The Worthington School Board approved a contract to bring in Carol Potter, identified in the packet as the executive director of student services at Lakeville Schools, to conduct a special education program review that will examine staffing, services, finance and compliance with IEP and due-process procedures.
"The agreement with Carol does put a cap on the hours just so that there is a kind of a limit before we discuss going further into the review," a district staff member said while presenting the contract. Potter's work was described as starting in July and continuing through the calendar year, with an estimated 65–75 hours of work and a projected cost in the range of $12,000 to $15,000.
Why it matters: the board described staffing and service use as primary priorities for the review. Several board members emphasized ensuring that special education services meet student needs and that the district is making full use of cooperative services and available tools.
Details and priorities: Joel and other staff said the review will cover specialized programming, current staffing, financial practices, and compliance practices such as IEP review and due-process procedures. Board members asked that the review include individual conversations with staff to capture reasons for staff turnover in addition to survey data. "One of the main priority areas is going to be around staffing, looking at reasons why we're losing staff or why there's a perception of turnover of staff," Joel said.
Compensation, schedule and limitations: the contract sets an hourly rate that includes lodging for Potter while on-site; mileage is an additional charge. The contract includes a time cap (65–75 hours) and calls for the consultant to present findings after completing the review.
Vote: The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the special education assessment contract; the motion passed.
Provenance: The topic began when the board introduced the proposed contract and concluded after the board's vote to approve the contract.
