Special education director reports rising caseloads; superintendent flags legislative and calendar concerns
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Summary
Director of special education Jamie Miller told the board the district’s special education enrollment rose by roughly 46 students this year and outlined services and staffing gaps; the superintendent noted the state legislative session and that the district has seven NTI days left before make-up dates may be needed.
Jamie Miller, Franklin County’s director of special education, briefed the school board on instructional services and rising special education needs, citing both local data and national comparisons.
Miller said the district offers a range of special education supports — occupational, physical and speech therapies; services for visual and hearing impairments including orientation and mobility; various behavior support settings; co-teach and resource placements — and that services are tailored to individual students’ needs. Miller told the board the district’s special education population increased by about 46 students this year and noted a large number of students who receive speech as a related service.
The director also reported staff shortages: three open positions in special education (including a 0.5 position for a teacher of the hard-of-hearing and paraprofessional openings). Miller referenced national data on prevalence, observing that one in five children may have a mental, emotional or behavioral health condition and that local identification has increased in recent years.
In his superintendent’s report, the superintendent reminded the board the Kentucky legislative session has begun in Frankfort and said the district will monitor potential changes to statewide assessments (KSA) and proposed bills including revisions to Senate Bill 181; he said no bills have passed yet. The superintendent also warned the board the district has used three NTI days and one traditional snow day and has seven NTI days remaining before calendar make-up dates would be required.
Both Miller and the superintendent urged continued attention to staffing, interventions and coordination with community partners to support students’ postsecondary readiness and transition services.