Exceptional Children program reports fewer suspensions, $300,000 in grants

Dr. Jennifer Coimans, leading the district’s Exceptional Children (EC) program, told the school board the county is seeing measurable improvements in behavior supports and special education compliance.

Coimans said total incidents involving students with disabilities declined compared with last year, and the department recorded a large drop in out‑of‑school suspension (OSS) days for EC students, from 472 in 2023–24 to 260 through February of the current year. She framed the change as a positive climate signal and said part of the shift reflects greater use of in‑school suspension (ISS) as an alternative that keeps students in instructional settings while they receive EC services.

The EC team has contracted a board‑certified behavior analyst (BCBA), provided targeted professional development, and is training staff to become registered behavior technicians. Coimans said the district completed more functional behavior assessments this year and is implementing behavior intervention plans to reduce incidents over time.

Coimans also reported nearly $300,000 in grant funding the department secured this year — including a risk‑pool award and behavioral support grants — and said those funds bolster staffing and interventions. She described improvements in IEP compliance from an internal audit and said the district is building a digital resource library and weekly newsletters to support teachers and families.

Board members asked about staffing vacancies in EC (one high‑school inclusion teacher and several instructional assistant openings) and about mechanisms for tracking missed services; Coimans said service logs are used and that veteran substitutes have helped cover gaps in the short term.

Coimans closed by asking the board to advocate for increased local, state and federal funding so the district can continue to expand inclusive practices and supports for students with disabilities.