Hobbs board approves IDEA‑B application for 2025–26 special education funding

The Hobbs Municipal Schools Board on July 17 approved the district's IDEA‑B application for the 2025–26 school year, a grant application under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that funds special education services.

District staff said the application has received "substantial approval" from state reviewers and that the board's action would allow the district to finalize documentation and receive the formal approval upload.

Sonia Lawson, a district staff member who presented the application, told the board the updated instructional plan aligns more closely with general education supports and interventions and includes policy changes described in a letter and a one‑page summary she provided. "We just received substantial approval," Lawson said, adding the district was awaiting the formal upload of the approval. Board members moved and seconded the motion; the board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Superintendent Strickland and other staff highlighted that the revised plan shifts language from the district's prior multilayer system of supports toward a supplemental‑supports framing tied to the Student Assistance Process (SAP). Strickland said the change is intended to improve alignment between special education strategies and general classroom practices.

The board recorded no roll‑call dissent on the motion. Staff said they will upload the final approval documents and noted the board had received a cover letter and a summary of policy changes that accompany the application.

The approved application covers the district's IDEA‑B program for the upcoming school year; Lawson said the district will implement the approved supports once the state upload is complete and minutes reflect the board's approval.

Board President Terry O'Brien closed the item after the vote and thanked Lawson for the presentation.