Board approves New Story Schools placements for students needing intensive supports

The Bermudian Springs School District board voted to authorize an agreement with New Story Schools to place students who require intensive emotional or behavioral supports that the district cannot provide in-house.

Superintendent Dr. Sterner described New Story as an intensive program that offers specialized staffing and supports the district does not have on site. He told trustees, “There are gonna be times where students are gonna enroll in between board meetings...we will outsource...it is our responsibility to find a placement for that student that can meet the needs.”

Trustees asked for clarification about the type of services New Story provides and about contract timing. Administration said the contracts are typically for a school year but that the district pays only for the time a student is enrolled: the district does not commit to pay the full-year cost if the student is not enrolled for the entire contract period.

Why it matters: For a small number of students with intensive needs, out-of-district placements determine whether they can access appropriate services. The board’s approval allows administrators to make placements as needs arise, subject to available space and enrollment-driven costs.

What was decided: The board moved, seconded and approved the New Story Schools agreement; the transcript records the motion as carried. Administrators will monitor enrollments and renew contracts as necessary.

What’s next: Special-education staff will oversee placements and report enrollment-driven contract activity to the board as required.