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Worthington board votes to give notice to service cooperative; to evaluate service co‑op special‑education supports
Summary
The board approved a notice to the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative allowing the district flexibility to add or drop cooperative services and directed administration to pursue an evaluation focused first on special education services.
The Worthington Public School District board voted to send formal notice to the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative that the district may alter which cooperative services it uses, and the board directed administration to pursue an evaluation of cooperative services, starting with the educational services portion tied to special education.
Board member Matt moved and Darla seconded a motion to send notice to the cooperative; the motion passed on a voice vote. Board members and staff emphasized that the notice itself does not immediately terminate services but preserves the district’s right under the cooperative contract to add or withdraw services in the coming year.
Administrators explained contract timelines: a July 1 notice is required to signal potential withdrawal of services; by March 1 the district must identify any staffing changes related to service changes. Administration advised the board that notice is procedural and does not obligate the district to drop services but ensures flexibility if the board later decides to change service choices.
The board discussed a plan to evaluate cooperative services before making changes. Staff estimated consultant costs in the range of $10,000–$15,000 per area evaluated. Miss Johnson said she had identified potential consultants, including a retired former Worthington special education director who previously completed an evaluation in 2011. Mr. Langarten recalled the 2011 review cost roughly $10,000 and said about 75%–80% of its recommendations were implemented.
Board members agreed to begin the evaluation with the educational solutions portion of the cooperative contract — the special education services — and to return to committee with more detail about scope, timelines and consultant proposals before committing funds.
What happens next: administration will solicit possible consultants and cost estimates, present options to committees, and bring a recommended scope and contract(s) back to the full board for approval.
