Fairfield Union approves one-year contract for special-education hire after board discussion of BRT staffing

The Fairfield Union Local School District board approved a one-year teacher contract for Jessica Graham to serve as an intervention specialist, following extended remarks from district leaders about the importance of Behavior Response Teams (BRTs) and special-education staffing.

Superintendent Bellville described BRT roles as "critical" for serving students with behavioral and autism-related needs and lauded Graham's experience. "When we interviewed Mrs. Graham, you just sit back and think to yourself, how are we this lucky to be able to have someone of this ability and this skill level...she is a godsend," Bellville said.

Board members and staff said the BRTs allow students to remain inclusive in general education settings, and that early intervention at elementary levels improves outcomes in middle and high school. Bellville noted the district has expanded BRTs in recent years and cited increasing demand for specialized behavioral services statewide.

Graham spoke briefly to the board after her nomination, describing her background: "All my backgrounds, my 20 years of experience working with children with autism, I love it. It's a passion. I love that every day is different because every one of them learn differently," Graham said.

Why it matters: School officials told the board that BRT staff provide daily, specialized support that keeps students in classrooms and supports broader building operations. Trustees said filling the position promptly was important after a retirement created a vacancy the district wanted to fill with experienced staff.

The board unanimously approved the one-year contract on a motion from the board president (recorded move and second on the record), and members expressed optimism that Graham would strengthen supports for students and staff.

The motion and vote were recorded during the board's new-business agenda.