Berkshire Local highlights vocational placements, wraparound supports and introduces new BCBA

Ashley Brzalski presented the district’s Pupil Services programs and told the board the office’s goal is to ensure “every student has access to the supports they need academically.” She walked trustees through elementary and middle school programs (the Badger Nest and the Den), the high‑school Pathways and Badger Lab vocational programs, and the district’s use of wraparound mental‑health services.

Brzalski highlighted two Pathways graduates who secured full‑time employment: “DJ…found employment at University Hospital” and “Brinley has been offered a job at one of our partners, Henley Tools.” She said Ravenwood Health provides therapeutic and behavioral support in classrooms and that the district will add in‑house BCBA (board‑certified behavior analyst) support beginning next year.

During personnel actions, Superintendent John introduced Amber Taylor as the district’s new BCBA. Amber described her role supporting tier‑1 and tier‑2 behavior interventions, developing behavior intervention plans, and training registered behavior technicians to collect data and implement plans. Amber said having a full‑time in‑district BCBA avoids higher contracting costs and provides daily support for students.

The board approved the personnel contracts that included the BCBA hire and also approved lists of staff authorized to administer medication and other routine contract items. Trustees praised the Pupil Services outcomes and thanked staff for the work connecting students to paid internships and community partners.

The district said it routinely uses inclusive practices and aligns classroom instruction to students’ IEPs while continuing staff training in trauma‑informed practices.