School board approves special education annual plan for 2025–26; plan funds 28 positions

The Culpeper County School Board voted unanimously to approve the 2025–26 special education annual plan the district must submit to the Virginia Department of Education to receive federal Part B funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The plan reflects level funding and proposes 28 positions supported by Section 6.11 funds: 14 special education teachers, 10 special education paraprofessionals, one transition specialist and three central-office special education staff (two specialists and an administrative assistant). Section 6.19 funding would be used to partially fund an early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher. The plan also sets aside a proportionate amount of grant funds to serve parentally placed private school and homeschooled students — primarily for speech-language therapy and, if needed, supplies and targeted professional learning for private or homeschool personnel.

District staff told the board the plan closely mirrors prior-year uses of flow-through federal funds, and staff confirmed the plan was reviewed with the division’s special education advisory committee (CIAC) on March 14. The plan must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by May 9.

Votes at the meeting showed the motion to approve passed seven to zero.

Ending Board members had no additional amendments; staff will submit the approved application to the Virginia Department of Education by the May 9 deadline and return with updates as required by federal or state reviewers.