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District staffing report flags sharp increase in special education needs and ongoing vacancies
Summary
District staff presented a four-year staffing report showing special education staff grew to represent about 30% of staff needs while roughly 14% of students are identified for special education services; administrators said vacancies remain concentrated in special education roles, including speech‑language pathologists.
District staff presented a four-year staffing report showing a notable increase in special education staffing needs and ongoing vacancies concentrated in special education roles.
A district presenter identified as Brian reviewed staffing totals, saying the district currently has more budgeted FTE than filled positions and that special education needs have grown significantly in recent years. Brian explained that in the 2023–24 school year roughly 20% of staff devoted most of their time to special education; for 2024–25 that figure rose to about 23%, and for the current year staff representing nearly 30% would be dedicated primarily to special education if positions are filled.
When board members asked what percentage of the student body is served by special education, Julie (district staff) estimated about 14% of students are identified for special education services. Brian and other staff said the rise in need is not unique to the district and attributed part of the change to state-level law and expectations without citing a specific statute. The presenters emphasized that additional funding has not accompanied the increase in statutory requirements and service levels.
Board members were shown vacancy breakdowns that place almost all current vacancies in special education, including a stated need for three speech‑language pathologists (SLPs). Brian said district staff plan targeted recruitment, including attending a recruitment event in Seattle focused on SLP candidates.
Presenters described steps taken to manage budget realities, including reductions in some non‑special‑education areas and reallocations to meet increased special education staffing demand. The board did not take formal action on staffing during the meeting; the item was an informational presentation.
Board members discussed state-level budget and policy conversations and said they will continue to monitor staffing and recruitment progress.
