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Director of Student Services outlines staffing, program gaps and improved Medicaid recoupment
Summary
Dr. Carson summarized an entry plan and priorities for special education in South Kingstown, reporting 404 students on IEPs as of Dec. 1, 2024, improved Medicaid time‑study participation and needs for additional TA support and targeted programs to help students not served by existing offerings.
Dr. Carson, the district’s Director of Student Services, told the school committee she has completed an entry review and set priorities to strengthen special education programming across South Kingstown.
Carson reported that the district’s December 1, 2024 census lists 404 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), down from a June total of 417. She said the most common category is learning disability (about 110 students) and noted the district continues to place some students out of district when their needs exceed local programming.
On funding and compliance, Carson said the office completed a Medicaid review and that 100% of staff participated in the most recent quarterly time study, which positions the district to recoup more federal Medicaid dollars than last year.
Carson outlined current program models (push‑in/pull‑out, co‑taught classes, related services such as OT/PT/speech), highlighted shortages in teaching assistant coverage and said some students need more intensive, specialized programs — particularly in basic reading and math. She described facilitated IEPs as an initiative to increase parent involvement and said the district has trained coordinators to support that process.
Committee members asked about caseloads, the number of trained coordinators (three trained facilitators), whether students attend their own IEP meetings (Carson said middle and high school students do), and how the district supports transitions to college and employment. Carson said transition job coaches work with students and outside partners such as the Office of Rehabilitation Services to help place students in community employment.
Carson also said the team is working on staffing, improved record management and recruitment, and that the FY26 budget will need to address extended school year programming and additional TA support. Committee members thanked Carson for the update and emphasized the importance of family engagement and building trust.
