Bastrop ISD pilots four-day service model and hires case managers; HR reports ongoing recruiting

District staff presented plans on May 13 to pilot a new special-education service-delivery model and to place full-time case managers at selected Cedar Creek campuses. Human Resources also addressed recruiting and resignations.

The pilot, described by district staff, is a four-day service model to consolidate special-education minutes into four days and reserve a planning/preparation day for teachers. The district will pilot that model at Cedar Creek Elementary, Cedar Creek Middle School, Creekside Middle School and Cedar Creek High School.

Trustees heard that in addition to the four‑day model the district will pilot full-time case managers at Cedar Creek Middle School and Cedar Creek High School. These will be certified special-education teachers who would focus on case management tasks (progress reporting, compliance and coordination) rather than providing direct classroom instruction.

Human Resources Director Diana Green said the district had begun active recruitment in March and had already posted positions. Trustees asked about a reported 76 resignations reflected in the personnel packet; HR said recruiting started early and that the hiring window opened March 1 to seek certified teachers first and then other candidates as needed. Green said the district tracks stay/interview data and will provide a more detailed report at a future meeting.

Administrators said the pilots are intended to improve instruction, create planning time for special-education teachers and make roles more attractive for recruitment and retention. Selected campuses will pilot the program first so that administration can refine implementation before considering expansion.