Board converts $4M placeholder into staffing to expand special-education programs and nine new program classrooms
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Summary
Staff presented a $4 million Phase 2 plan for special education that converts a placeholder into specified hires (19 paraeducators, 16 teachers and other related positions) and funds nine new program classrooms to reduce caseloads and expand specialized services; the conversion motion passed unanimously.
Board members heard a presentation from Dr. Webster and Dr. Brunson on a proposed initial $4 million investment to expand special-education programming. Staff said the $4 million represents funding for 43 positions to support an initial phase of specialized program expansion, including nine new program classrooms (six elementary and three middle) and seven special-education teachers to address high case-manager loads.
Dr. Webster explained that the package aims to create differentiated program classrooms — Compass, Academic Life Skills (ALS), SPARK and a new RISE (Regulation Instruction and Sensory Engagement) option — while proceeding at a pace the district can staff and train. "This $4,000,000 represents 43 positions that we would use to support the initial phase of specialized program expansion," he said.
The board moved to convert the placeholder into specific positions: 19 paraeducators, 16 special-education teachers, 4 registered behavioral technicians, 2 social workers and 2 board-certified behavior analysts. The conversion passed by roll call vote 7-0. Staff said facilities and transportation teams are already coordinating to identify candidate schools for program locations and to minimize travel times; staff noted some costs and space decisions will span multiple fiscal years.
Board members asked operational questions about site selection, transportation implications and how related-service providers will be allocated. Staff said they will pilot a refined methodology for distributing related-service providers (speech-language pathologists, etc.) before requesting additional FTE, and that they would provide updates to the board on school selection and staffing progress.
What happens next: staff will post and recruit for the approved positions, continue facilities visits to confirm program locations and return implementation and transportation plans to the board for follow-up.