Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Special education enrollment up 14.4% in Lake Stevens, district official says
Summary
At its Aug. 27 meeting the Lake Stevens School District reported a 14.4% rise in Special Services enrollment since 2021–22, an extension of transition services through age 22, and staffing levels of 136 certified and about 187 classified employees.
Executive Director of Special Services Jeff Jorgensen told the Lake Stevens School District Board on Aug. 27 that Special Services enrollment has grown faster than overall district enrollment over the past four years.
Jorgensen said enrollment in Special Services rose 14.4% since the 2021–22 school year, compared with a 5.6% increase in total district enrollment over the same period. He noted the largest growth occurred in the 3–5 age band, which increased about 32.6% between 2021–22 and 2024–25. The department currently includes 136 certificated staff and approximately 187 classified staff, he said.
Why it matters: the board heard that growth in special education caseloads outpaces general enrollment, which has implications for staffing, classroom placements and budgeting. Jorgensen highlighted a district goal to increase placements in the least-restrictive environment (students spending 80% or more of the day in mainstream settings), strengthen teacher and provider efficacy, and promote student independence and agency.
Among budget changes the director flagged was an administrative decision to extend Transition services through the end of the school year for students after they turn 22. The presentation included enrollment trend rates (3.1%–6.2% annual growth ranges cited) and an overview of departmental priorities for the coming year.
The board acknowledged the report but took no formal action on Special Services at the meeting; the presentation was received as information.
