Special education presentation emphasizes inclusion, DBT and new district counseling director in proposed budget

Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education Dr. Freudenberg presented the PPS and special education portion of the 2025'26 budget on March 11, saying the work focuses on inclusive instruction, evidence-based interventions and post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities.

Dr. Freudenberg reviewed core programs that will continue under the proposed budget: integrated co-teaching, specialized reading using the SPIRE program, resource rooms that support executive functioning and pre-/re-teaching, life-skills classes with community-based instruction and therapeutic supports at the middle and high school provided by a partner program. Extended-school-year services will continue through the district's partnership with Rye Rec, and the district's unified basketball program was highlighted as an inclusive activity.

Professional learning and partnerships were central to the presentation. Special-education staff described intensified coaching for SPIRE lessons, continued DBT training and monthly consultation for fidelity, work with Northern Westchester BOCES on functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, and a partnership with a holistic learning center for life-skills curriculum. The WJCS mental health clinic in the district is currently at capacity, staff said; district leaders reported they have not had to turn away families and are working with WJCS and county partners on funding and capacity.

The proposed budget includes a district-level director of school counseling and student wellness to oversee K'12 counseling, roll up SEL curriculum (including DBT lessons), conduct the school climate survey and support transition planning (5th to 6th, 8th to 9th and 12th to postsecondary). Dr. Freudenberg and trustees clarified that salaries and benefits are covered in a separate staffing section of the budget and were not included in the presentation's operating numbers.

Trustees asked why the special-education operating budget showed a decrease; Dr. Freudenberg explained that reductions reflected student-specific changes (several high-need students aging out) rather than program cuts. She emphasized that programming and services will continue and be sustained.

Board members asked about co-teaching prevalence and year-to-year consistency; Dr. Freudenberg said overall numbers remain fairly consistent though grade-level section counts can fluctuate by school. The presentation closed with the district's intention to continue data-driven staffing and grant maximization.