Board approves special‑education posts and adds cross‑categorical position amid rising referrals

District administrators told the board the district has been short of education support professionals for several years and that staffing plans required adjustment after an unexpected rise in early‑childhood and initial special‑education referrals. Staff recommended converting budgeted positions and posting a special‑education teacher for JL Middle School to better meet building needs.

For West Rapids Elementary, staff described three drivers for the added cross‑categorical ABD position: (1) a high number of preschool referrals finishing qualification evaluations, (2) larger than projected caseloads at the primary building and (3) projected ongoing growth in early‑childhood referrals. Administrators said the district could fund the position using fund balance short term and that 70–80% of the cost is reimbursable through special education state aid or third‑party billing depending on the state aid formula.

Board members asked whether the increase is a temporary surge (connected to COVID‑era cohorts) and how long the reimbursement support would hold; staff said they expect some normalization over time but anticipate a multi‑year need and recommended the position be funded at least for a few years while monitoring eligibility and reimbursement.

The board moved and approved posting the JL Middle School special‑education teacher position and approved adding the West Rapids cross‑categorical ABD position.

Next steps: Human Resources will post the JL Middle School position and implement the added ABD position while finance staff monitor reimbursements and fund‑balance implications.