Board approves wraparound services, members criticize state voucher policy and costs of serving nonpublic students

The Brecksville‑Broadview Heights Board of Education voted Nov. 19 to approve wraparound expert service agreements and a substitute speech‑language pathologist agreement for services in the district. Both motions passed by roll call, 5–0.

During discussion, staff and board members described the district’s responsibilities as the district of service for special education evaluations and IEP administration even for students who attend nearby nonpublic schools. Cassie Spangler, director of pupil services, summarized recent work the Schools Foundation and district staff have done with grant oversight and services for students with disabilities; other staff described spending hours in meetings and documenting defensible evaluations for students who do not attend the district’s schools. Board members expressed frustration that state policy and voucher expansion shift funding and some students to nonpublic providers while the district retains obligations for evaluations and related administrative costs.

Board members noted proportional funding formulas (staff said examples of payments moving from the district toward nonpublic schools had increased from $25,000 last year to $76,000 this year for some items) and urged state lawmakers to reconsider policies that, in their view, create fiscal pressure on public districts. Staff explained that federal obligations (e.g., McKinney‑Vento for homeless students) and house budget provisions affect how transportation, services and policies are applied and funded.

The board approved the wraparound agreements and a substitute SLP contract by roll call, 5–0. Speakers said the board will continue to monitor costs and staff time associated with serving nonpublic students and the district’s administrative responsibilities in special education.