Knox County Schools details progress, metrics in special education review and strategic plan work

Dr. Brown, director of special education for Knox County Schools, told the board on Jan. 9 that a districtwide review of special education services is underway and that staff are already implementing changes while a third‑party consultant writes a 3– to 5‑year strategic plan.

The update came as Superintendent Dr. Reiszewick previewed broader district priorities and said the third‑party contractor would deliver the strategic report later this spring. “His team is currently taking meaningful steps to enhance… the IEP experience for families and focused decision making as close to the student as possible,” Reiszewick said.

The nut graf: The district emphasized two parallel tracks — an external analysis by a contractor (PCG) and near‑term operational changes — with the twin aims of increasing inclusion in general education and improving outcomes for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Dr. Brown said the district is already meeting and exceeding this year’s interim target on least‑restrictive environment (LRE) measures that track time spent in general education. “Our goal for this year is 77.2. We are currently sitting across the district at 79.29,” Brown said, and he noted that 64 of 91 schools are…