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RSU 73 administrator reports district special‑services and Section 504 rates above state and national averages
Summary
Administrator Jenna Cody reported RSU 73’s special‑services population at 24.6%, higher than Maine’s 19.5% and the national 15% average; Section 504 plans in the district were 7.19% compared with 5% statewide and 3% nationally. She cited high local need and staffing challenges for ed‑tech positions.
Administrator Jenna Cody updated the RSU 73 board on special‑education and Section 504 trends and local staffing needs.
Cody told the board the district’s proportion of students receiving special services is 24.6%, compared with a national average of 15% and a statewide rate in Maine of 19.5%. She said Section 504 plan rates nationally are about 3%, the state average is 5% and RSU 73’s rate is 7.19%. Cody noted those figures will likely grow as awareness of 504 services increases and she reported current active 504 counts by school (high school 38, middle school 25, elementary 25, primary 8) with a net district total rising from 95 to 96 month‑to‑month and three new referrals expected.
Board members asked whether the higher percentages reflect socioeconomic differences or referral practices; Cody and other members said the district’s higher need levels and fewer alternative schooling options likely contribute. She also discussed ed‑tech staffing shortages — administration reported four open ed‑tech positions — and said the board has helped add positions over time but recruiting remains difficult.
The update included a brief legal status note: the district is monitoring the Texas v. Becerra litigation over Section 504 services; a court order issued April 17 stayed the case and the next update was expected this summer.
Board members thanked Cody for the data and asked for follow‑up breakdowns by town and by socioeconomic indicators at a future meeting.
