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Bellevue board reviews special-education overhaul as staff and parents warn of unsustainable caseloads
Summary
Board receives a special-education report outlining systemwide inclusion work and training; staff and BEA representatives told the board that caseloads and recent staffing cuts are leaving students without required services. Directors asked for clearer metrics, scheduling fixes and systemwide tools to ensure IEP fidelity.
The Bellevue School District Board of Directors heard a detailed briefing on the district’s special-education work and fielded public comment from educators and parents who said staffing shortfalls are limiting services for students with disabilities.
Scott Powers, executive director of inclusion and accessibility, told the board the district’s special-education operation includes roughly 600 staff across roles and continues coordinated work with OSPI to address disproportionality and improve services. “We want full participation and a learning experience in the least restrictive environment for our students,” Powers said, describing efforts to improve IEP and 504 processes and build system-based supports rather than relying on individual staff members.
The department outlined three workgroups…
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