Board approves shared-service agreements for special education supports and Project SEARCH internships
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Summary
The River Falls School District approved multiple interdistrict agreements: a cost-share for a 4K paraprofessional with University of Wisconsin–River Falls, a shared deaf-and-hard-of-hearing teacher arrangement with Prescott and Ellsworth (15%/15%/70% split), and Project SEARCH agreements with neighboring districts for internship placements.
The River Falls School District board approved several interdistrict service agreements aimed at providing specialized supports and internship opportunities.
The board approved a service agreement with the University of Wisconsin–River Falls to split the cost of an additional paraprofessional who will work in the university preschool/4K AM program to support students with disabilities.
On the deaf-and-hard-of-hearing program, the board heard that River Falls employs the DHH teacher and contracts portions of that staff member’s time to neighboring districts. For 2025–26 the allocation discussed and approved was 15% Prescott, 15% Ellsworth and 70% River Falls. Board members emphasized that River Falls hires the teacher, maintains payroll and fringe benefits, and receives reimbursement from partner districts for their share.
The board also approved continuation of Project SEARCH partnerships — a vocational internship program hosted at the local hospital — with participating districts that supply interns and support successful transitions to employment for students who need extended vocational instruction.
Board members voiced support for these shared arrangements as a cost-effective way to provide services smaller districts could not sustain independently. The motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.