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Shakopee schools report sharp rise in special‑education enrollment; district cites staffing, funding strains
Summary
Director of Special Services Julie Fred told the board the district now counts 1,564 students in special education — about 350 more than in 2020 — and described staffing shortages, new mandatory CEIS status and steps the district is taking to expand programs and staff training.
Shakopee Public School District officials warned the school board on Feb. 9 that special‑education enrollment has risen sharply and is stretching staff and program capacity.
Julie Fred, the district’s director of special services, told members the district’s unduplicated special‑education child count stands “we're currently at 1,564,” a rise of roughly 350 students since October 2020. Fred said a large share of the increase is in higher‑need placements — students who require center‑based or Setting 3 services for developmental or medical disabilities.
That growth is colliding with a regional shortage of licensed special‑education teachers. Fred said the district continues to hire staff on Other Field Permission…
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