Board approves High Road contract as district readies alternate program; parents to be notified after Growing Minds contract finalized

The Marion City Schools Board of Education on June 16 approved a master service agreement with Specialized Education of Ohio (High Road) to provide services for students whose individualized education programs (IEPs) require a private, separate setting.

District leaders told the board they are negotiating a separate contract with Growing Minds to create an in‑district alternative that officials say would provide similar services at lower cost. Superintendent Murphy said the Growing Minds agreement is not yet complete and the district will notify parents and hold outreach (including phone calls and a planned open house) once that contract is finalized.

The board action authorized a continuing relationship with High Road while district staff finalize the alternate program. The superintendent and board members repeatedly stressed that parent communication and consent are required before any change in a student’s placement; board members asked for a clear timeline and communications plan once the Growing Minds…