District summarizes special education audit results and next steps; new director to refine exit/entrance criteria and handbook

Hingham Public Schools staff provided a high-level update on special education work at the June 16 School Committee meeting, summarizing action steps derived from a recently completed special education audit and previewing next steps under the incoming director.

The district said the audit generated four primary goals. Staff reported that program-level entrance and exit criteria (for specific in-district special programs, not the team-based eligibility decisions for special education services) are nearly complete and that the incoming special education director, Dr. Panarisi, will be included in final edits once she begins full time in July. The district also reported progress on transition activities for students and staff between preschool, elementary, middle and high school; an audit of available special education curriculum; and updates to competency determinations at the high school level to align specialized programming with graduation requirements.

Staff described expanded paraeducator professional development in 2024–25, including an onboarding orientation for new paraeducators and a quarterly training plan for those hired after the start of the year. The district also reported work to refresh the special education handbook, curate family resources and improve communication and collaboration between team chairs, families and leadership. District staff noted the district has strengthened MTSS practices and will continue to extend MTSS implementation at secondary levels and align MTSS, UDL and SEL work with special education goals.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about intended criteria. One member emphasized that the entrance/exit criteria discussed are program-specific (for district special programs such as the lab program), not changes to team-based eligibility decisions for special education services. Jacqueline Beaupre, president of the Hingham Education Association, thanked the district for the work and raised concerns about overlaps with upcoming bargaining cycles, noting that pay and benefits and recruitment/retention pressures will be a factor as new programs or expectations are implemented.

Superintendent (Katie) and staff said the incoming director will present an entry plan and further details after starting full time; members were asked to expect additional documentation and an updated handbook over the summer.