Bixby board approves independent review of special education inclusion services

The Bixby Board of Education voted unanimously on March 13 to approve a $37,500 contract with Stetson and Associates, Inc. to conduct an independent evaluation of the district's inclusion services for students with disabilities; travel costs will be paid from federal funds.

The board approved the contract after public comment from parents who urged the district to improve inclusive practices and after board and staff described the scope and timeline of the proposed review.

Superintendent Rob Miller told the board the district sought an independentreview "to make sure that we're providing the appropriate services for every student" and said the consultant can begin work immediately after spring break, with a formal report expected by the May board meeting. Miller said the contract covers roughly 15 contracted days of work, and that the consultants plan to sample about half the elementary sites, half the intermediate sites and one secondary site. He said the review team will identify short-, medium- and long-term recommendations, and that some low-cost, near-term "low-hanging fruit" changes are commonly included in similar reports.

Parents who spoke during public comment said they want meaningful changes. Katie Huff, a parent of a fourth-grade student with Down syndrome, said the district's special education department has resisted placing her son in the least-restrictive environment and urged the board to hire a director who "will not only support my son, but all students with disabilities" and who has "knowledge of special education law" including IDEA. Laurie Lee, the parent of a sixth-grade student, called for high-quality, practical training for general education teachers and said restrictive placements have limited her daughter's progress. Lee said, "Research shows that when students with disabilities are taught alongside their peers with the right supports, they have better academic, social, and long term outcomes." Both parents urged the board to include families in planning and to ensure training is led by qualified inclusion specialists.

Board members asked for details about parental participation, scheduling and funding. Miller and district staff said the consultantsled by Dr. Stetsonhave worked in dozens of districts and will hold initial listening sessions with parents and school staff. Miller said parents who consent may allow consultants to observe their children in class and that the team will provide after-action summary reports and implementation steps. A district staff member said the district has already begun internal training and some parent training but wants the external review to identify further changes.

The motion approved by the board read: "Approve a service contract with Stetson and Associates, Inc. for a program evaluation of BPS inclusion services for students with disabilities for $37,500 plus travel expenses to be paid with federal funds." The board vote was recorded as Justin Cheatham: aye; Matt Dodson: aye; Amanda Stevens: aye; Julie Procter: aye; Chair Tricie Fryer: aye. The item was described to the board as time-sensitive; Miller said the consultant was available to begin in early April.

The board did not adopt implementation steps at the meeting; members and staff said the forthcoming written report will form the basis for recommended actions and staffing changes.