Urbandale outlines special education service-delivery plan and proposed caseload cap

Kyle Weavers, behavior specialist, and Melanie Hatch, director of special education, presented the district-developed service delivery plan required under Iowa administrative rules. Hatch said the plan describes a full continuum of placements and services and reiterated that special education services may continue through the school year when a student turns 21.

On teacher workload, presenters described a caseload 'point' system used to estimate each special-education teacher’s responsibilities. Hatch said the district piloted the instrument with teachers across buildings and found most caseload scores in the high 40s to low 50s, with a highest observed score of 58. "We actually said around 55 points would be the max amount," Hatch said, explaining 55 was chosen after reviewing actual teacher data and hypothetical heavy-case scenarios.

Hatch and Weavers said the district provides multiple support pathways for teachers who report heavy caseloads, including conversations with building administrators and a process for administrators to request caseload review and reallocation if needed. Presenters acknowledged the system does not capture every auxiliary task and that conversations and local adjustments remain an important part of workload management.

Hatch provided district-level context: she estimated around 15% of students are served through IEPs and said the district has about 740 IEPs across preschool through age 21. Board members asked clarifying questions about how caseloads intersect with administrator staffing and how district program placement affects counts; administration said they will continue monitoring and invited further questions.

The board was presented the SDP for review and will consider adoption in a subsequent meeting.