Kennett Consolidated SD reviews updated special-education policy to meet federal and state requirements

The Kennett Consolidated School District Policy Committee on Dec. 9 reviewed a revision to Policy 113 (Special Education) intended to bring the district’s rules into current compliance with federal and state law. Cassandra Jones, the district’s director of pupil services and supports, said the existing policy dated from 1986 and the draft was developed using the PSBA model policy, review by legal counsel (Sweet Stevens) and input from administrative policy subcommittees.

Jones said the draft emphasizes the district’s child‑find obligation and the requirement to identify, evaluate and provide appropriate educational services "to students with disabilities," including students placed by parents in private schools within district boundaries. She noted the district’s three‑year special‑education plan was board‑approved and PDE‑approved last year and that the policy is intended to formalize the procedures that support that plan.

The draft also adds a procedure on recording meetings: parents seeking to record an IEP or special‑education meeting must request permission five days in advance and demonstrate that a recording is required for meaningful participation because of a disability, limited‑English proficiency or good cause; if the district records, the recording becomes part of the student’s educational record. Jones said the changes were made in consultation with counsel to reflect current legal guidance.

Board member Latoya Myers said she supported the revision but asked board leadership to monitor delegated decision points in the policy — for example, where the board delegates determinations about facilities, programs and staff to the superintendent or designee. Jones told the committee that the district had surveyed parents and held a parent‑mentor training through the CCIU as part of the cyclical monitoring process and would return in spring with an update on implementation.

Chair Kramer praised the drafting and said he would support the policy when it is brought forward to the full board, while noting the committee’s discussion about balancing statutory language and board‑level guidance. The committee did not take a vote; Jones said the draft will be presented to the full board for further consideration and formal action.