The 24 Board of Education on July 21 approved creating an assistant chief of special education position, citing a need for greater oversight of IEP compliance, charter-school placements and chronic absenteeism.
The presenter, identified in the meeting as Miss McKinley, told the board the role was requested to “address the department's needs related to IUP compliance, overseeing charter schools, added district placements, and to address chronic absenteeism in special education.” She said the district would eliminate two vacant positions to fund the new role and that the vacancies have existed for several years, so the district does not expect an additional recurring cost. McKinley said the district expects “anticipated savings in sustaining this position would likely be staying in a reduction of legal costs” and in reduced compensatory services owed to students.
Board members questioned causes and costs. One board member asked, “How did we get so far behind in compensatory hours?” McKinley replied the district has been addressing compensatory services that “are actually accumulated due to the vacancies” and that a systemic complaint in 2021–22 prompted recent action. She said the district is developing a plan to provide compensatory services before school, after school or during the summer and that some current teachers have indicated willingness to deliver those services for supplemental pay.
A board member raised budget concerns, saying, “This does cost money. It does impact the budget,” and warned adding positions may limit the district’s ability to restore other jobs or programs. Another board member, Miss Gasmere, spoke in support: “This is our first step toward showing the state that we are serious about changing the status quo in this district. And I am behind this a 100%.”
The motion to create the assistant chief position passed by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or list the exact salary for the new position; the presenter said the new role would be funded by eliminating two vacant positions and that the district expects to reduce legal and compensatory costs over time.
Less urgent: board members requested further prioritization of budget restorations and said they want a future discussion on district budget priorities.