William Penn SD to contract with DCIU for special‑education leadership; parents and staff voice concerns about costs and services

The William Penn School District board approved an agreement with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) to provide special education and pupil‑services leadership under a hybrid outsourcing model, the administration said during the May 27 meeting.

Why it matters: Parents and teachers warned the board that the district’s students with special needs rely on consistent case management and related services. Commenters asked how outsourcing will affect speech therapy capacity, compensatory services and day‑to‑day IEP implementation.

Contract details as presented at the meeting: The contract packet lists a director of special education and a supervisor of special education among the outsourced positions. The figures discussed in public comment cited a director salary and benefits of $222,204 and a supervisor figure of $182,383; that combined amount was discussed during Q&A as roughly $404,587 for the two positions (agenda figures in the packet). The packet also included a training line item described during Q&A as up to 600 hours at $140 per hour (up to $84,000); the administration said the agenda narrative does not capture all in‑district training days and act 80 professional development days that will also be used.

Public questions and board responses: Online commenter Miss Tack asked whether the listed supervisor figure covered one or two positions and whether the supervisor of pupil services was included; the administration replied that the contract is for a hybrid approach — outsourcing some positions while keeping others in district — and that the packet’s figures refer to the outsourced roles. In response to concerns about training hours, the superintendent said the DCIU has provided many district services historically and that the contracted individuals would work under district direction and likely receive more than the minimal training hours listed in the one‑page outline.

Speech‑therapy staffing worries: Multiple parents and a teacher raised a shortage of speech therapists and asked how the district will ensure students receive entitled services and compensatory sessions. The superintendent said the DCIU will be a “key partner” in planning service delivery for 2025‑26 and that further operational details will be developed in collaboration with DCIU and district staff.

Cost and procurement context: A public commenter asked whether the district compared the DCIU proposal with a Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) proposal; the superintendent said the DCIU approach was presented as a lower overall cost and a model that preserves some district employees while outsourcing some supervisory roles. Board members asked for a clearer administrative chart and for contracts to be posted so members can compare current and proposed expenditures.

What the board decided: The board approved the DCIU special education and pupil‑services agreement as listed on the budget and finance agenda. Administration said additional details and a collaborative implementation plan will be developed with the DCIU and presented to the board.

Next steps and follow up requested by commenters: Parents asked the district to clarify how it will cover compensatory speech services for students already owed services, specify how supervisory duties will be divided across elementary, middle and high school, and to publish the DCIU contract appendices and training plan. The board and superintendent committed to continuing discussion and returning with more detail before final operational changes are made.

At the meeting, the board also approved other education and personnel motions (minutes, summer program memoranda of understanding and a substitute‑services agreement) that intersect with special education staffing and service delivery.