The Franklin County Board of Education received an instructional services update focused on special education, where staff described district growth in several eligibility categories and the supports provided across the system.

Presenter Jamie Miller summarized three growth areas—other health impaired, specific learning disabilities and autism—and reviewed services including occupational and physical therapy, highly structured classrooms and a positive behavior support program. Miller said the district has units across the county and is seeing increased referrals and testing to identify students who qualify for services.

In the meeting, the superintendent said the U.S. Department of Education this past summer stopped allowing districts to emergency certify special education teachers, a change the superintendent said has limited the district’s ability to fill positions. The superintendent said the state’s interpretation also shifted and that about 70 other districts faced the same issue. Board members asked questions about eligibility categories, service delivery and recruitment.

Staff described partnerships intended to support students transitioning to postsecondary life and employment, including the office of vocational rehabilitation (OVR), community-based instruction, a career tactical center and follow-up surveys of graduates. No new board policy or budget appropriation was announced at the meeting; staff said they are working on recruitment and program continuity given the certification changes.