Trustees hear district strategy to reduce out-of-district special education placements

Riverton — Trustees were briefed that the district spent significantly less on special-education reimbursable placements in 2024–25 because some students returned to district schools and the district strengthened in-district services.

The business manager reported a nearly $1.2 million underspend in special-education reimbursable costs for the prior year, attributing the change largely to transitions from out-of-district placements back to Riverton schools. Board members were told the state had been monitoring the district for earlier rates of out-of-district placements and that reducing those placements was a priority.

District staff and trustees said they will expand in-district supports: enhancing programs at Jackson School, Step Up Day School and other local placements, improving behavior plans, and exhausting in-district options before pursuing out-of-district placements. The board asked for and was offered a future presentation with more details; the superintendent's office indicated Katrina and Courtney could present program specifics and compliance status at a later meeting.

Why it matters: Out-of-district special-education placements are typically more costly and can trigger state monitoring and corrective action. The district told trustees it has been reshaping services to keep students in-district when appropriate and to comply with state monitoring requirements.

Next steps: Administration will bring a follow-up report on enhanced in-district supports, behavior programming and compliance measures and may invite special education leaders to present operational details to trustees.