Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Special‑education supervisor: about 440 students on IEPs, district adds supports to keep students in‑district
Summary
Anthony Frank, Delano Public Schools special education supervisor, told the board the district has about 440 active IEP students (roughly 4,986 weekly service hours), is strengthening in‑district level‑3 programming with consultant support, and is watching state funding reviews that could reduce special‑education dollars.
Anthony Frank, special education supervisor for Delano Public Schools, told the school board the district serves roughly 440 students on active individualized education programs and that those students receive just under 5,000 hours of services per week.
"We have roughly 440 active students or students who are on active IEPs," Frank said, adding, "It's like 4,986, which — incredible number." He said the district is focused on maintaining level‑3 programming in‑district to avoid moving students to level‑4 placements when possible, and is working with a classroom systems consultant, Amy Steinisen, to improve classroom layouts and supports for students and staff.
Frank described transition planning for older students, noting state rules allow special‑education services through the day a student turns 22. He said Delano works with the Masiko special‑education cooperative for birth‑to‑3 services and for transition programming such as the STEP program (services for ages 18–22).
Frank also said he and other special‑education leaders recently met with state legislators to highlight the program’s funding needs. "The big highlight for us as a SPED supervisor group was just talking about funding," he said, noting concern about possible cuts. He referenced the Blue Ribbon Committee review of special‑education funding and said that panel is examining about $250 million in cross‑subsidy issues that could affect future aid.
Board members asked clarifying questions about age limits and transitions; Frank reiterated that Minnesota students may receive services through age 21 and until they turn 22 and outlined how Masiko supports early childhood services and transitions into district programs.
The district plans to continue building staffing and procedural supports (checklists for teacher referrals to social workers, expanded in‑district resources and collaboration across teams) to improve retention of students in Delano Public Schools rather than sending them to more restrictive placements. No formal board action was required on the update.
