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District review flags special education staffing and MTSS gaps; ESSI report prompts targeted training
Summary
Cabell County Schools shared findings from an Education System Solutions Inc. (ESSI) review that identified rising special education costs, uneven MTSS/SAT implementation, and staffing/scheduling issues; the district plans targeted professional development, co‑teaching training and school‑level followup.
Cabell County Schools staff summarized an outside review by Education System Solutions Inc. (ESSI) that examined rising special education costs, classroom practices and support systems across 24 schools.
The presenter said special education costs have grown substantially over four to five years, estimating an additional $12 million this year for a total of about $26–$27 million; roughly $3.5 million of that increase comes from local funds. The ESSI review visited 24 schools, examined student records, observed classrooms, reviewed referral and intervention processes (SAT and MTSS), and interviewed regular and special education teachers, co‑teachers, principals and administrators.
Why it matters: The district said the review aimed to identify root causes of rising costs and to improve classroom supports and interventions rather than to assign blame. Staff said the West Virginia Department of Education audit is separate and that the state audit report was expected later in the month.
Key recommendations and next steps
- Provide districtwide professional development on MTSS (WVTSS in West Virginia) and SAT processes so schools align on intervention practices. - Train administrators to use instructional walkthroughs to support teachers and aides. - Provide professional development to general and special education teachers on differentiation, co‑teaching and student engagement. - Review and monitor schedules for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and aids to ensure appropriate staffing and service delivery.
District staff said they have begun analyzing the ESSI report, are developing a plan of prioritized actions that will feed into the district strategic plan, and will provide each school with its onsite findings in follow‑up visits. The exit conference with ESSI occurred Feb. 14; the ESSI contract was approved by the board Jan. 14.
