District outlines 3‑year plan after PCG special‑education review with 21 recommendations

District leaders on Wednesday presented findings from an external special education program review carried out by Public Consulting Group (PCG) and described next steps the district will take in response.

The presenter said PCG’s review (conducted December 2024–July 2025) produced 21 recommendations across document review, stakeholder input, classroom observations and quantitative analysis. "PCG did have 21 recommendations for us," the presenter said, and noted that PCG suggested a 3–5 year timeline for full implementation; district staff told the board the district will "shoot for a 3 year timeline" and provide key performance indicators to track year‑one progress.

District staff outlined priority domains for year 1: embedding high‑leverage practices from the Council for Exceptional Children into classroom instruction, expanding professional development for principals and teachers, strengthening specially designed instruction and coaching models, and forming a special education advisory council through the family resource center to increase family influence and sustain engagement.

Board members requested a clear accountability timeline tied to the 21 recommendations and suggested a year‑end capstone report showing progress on in‑progress items and plans for the next 1–3 years. Several directors emphasized access and translation services for families, and asked staff about partnerships with regional BOCES providers; staff said the district remains engaged in high‑level collaboration with the Colorado River BOCES but now provides many services directly after earlier transitions.

The district committed to sharing year‑one performance indicators publicly so the board and community can track progress. No formal action was taken on the PCG recommendations tonight; board members asked staff to return with an accountability timeline and implementation milestones.