Special School District evaluation finds communication and staffing gaps; recommends data sharing and transportation protocols

Dr. Berry presented a Special School District (SSD) program evaluation of the district’s partnership that included staff, parents, principals and paraprofessionals. The evaluation combined committee meetings, after-school sessions for parent participation, and a 101-response survey.

Dr. Berry summarized the findings: families “value SSD” but reported inconsistent communication about services and case-management changes, late notice about available services, and staffing shortages—particularly paraprofessionals—that affected service continuity. Parents suggested a centralized list of services, more consistent use of platforms such as Canvas, earlier evaluations, and better information on IEP goals and progress.

SSD staff highlighted celebrations as well, including improved transition programming through the Thrive Chelsea Center, stronger collaboration between SSD and Webster Groves on professional learning, and successful implementation of several partnership agreement categories.

Recommendations the evaluation proposed include establishing a systemic bi-directional data-sharing process between SSD and the Webster Groves School District, developing a transportation transition protocol to communicate expectations to families, clarifying responsibilities under the partnership agreement, and continuing collaboration on career and technical education (CTE) opportunities.

Dr. Berry said the evaluation team already included Webster Groves staff and SSD staff and will expand to an implementation committee that includes both districts. No board vote was required on the report; staff said they will share the planned next steps and formalize the data- and transportation-protocol recommendations.