Board hears annual review of instructional software and a year-one report on specialized education program (SESI)

Bryan ISD teaching-and-learning leaders presented the annual review of instructional and operational software purchases and described which subscriptions the district plans to renew, reduce or end.

Operational items discussed included assessments and data platforms: MAP by NWEA (reduced to K'2 with literacy through grade 4, lowering the contract from about $220,000 to roughly $86,000), Eduphoria (anticipated to rise to about $100,000 because some assessment functions are moving into that platform), Branching Minds (intervention tracking), Frontline eSED (special education documentation, capped in the presentation at up to $65,000 depending on enrollment), and Elevation for LPAC documentation for English learners.

Supplemental programs included HMH Read 180 (intervention curriculum for struggling readers), Reading Horizons (phonics materials and online library; the presentation cited about $120,000 to maintain online resources after an initial dyslexia grant bought materials), Summit K12 (English-learner support; district staff said recommended implementation may change after additional TELPAS and usage analysis), and SESI (the Sierra School) for students with intensive behavioral needs.

Staff described SESI as a district-contracted specialized placement with a maximum enrollment per contract of 20 students; over the first year the program served roughly 23 unique students, the presentation said. The district reported total FY costs for the first year at roughly $850,000; staff said the cost includes Sierra School staff (teachers, assistants, social worker, climate manager, director) and that some district positions were reduced as a result of contracting the service. Staff said the program has improved attendance and reduced disciplinary referrals for students placed there, and that some students returned to general education settings after receiving supports.

District staff noted they are seeking state high-cost special education funds to offset part of the expense; eligibility requires that an individual student meet statutory thresholds for per-student expenditures. Staff cautioned that state changes to special-education funding and a move to a services-intensity funding model will not provide savings for the coming 2025'26 year; those elements are expected to phase in later.

Board members asked about staffing effects, vacancies and whether contracting had been net-neutral for the district; presenters said several contracted providers were later hired as district staff and that contracts are used as a bridge when vacancies occur. Staff also said they will continue to monitor Summit K12 usage and regional results before returning with an updated recommendation.

No vote was taken during the informational presentation; staff offered to bring renewal requests to a future evening meeting for action where required.