Special‑education ad hoc committee urges training, MTSS alignment and parent liaisons to reduce disproportionality and suspensions

The Special Education Ad Hoc Committee presented a multi‑part plan to the board Wednesday aimed at improving outcomes and reducing suspensions for students with additional needs. The presentation, led by Park Middle principal Krista Plumley and program specialists, summarized findings from focus groups and compliance reviews and proposed concrete next steps.

Committee members identified three priority areas: strengthen staff training and supports (behavior interventions, trauma‑informed practices and cross‑cultural competence), improve the usability of IEPs and parent partnerships (plain‑language IEPs, IEP clinics and parent liaison roles), and align district systems and curriculum through MTSS and co‑teaching models. The committee asked the board to consider a study session to deepen trustees’ understanding of program structures before policy changes.

The committee also recommended clear expectations for paraeducators, expanded on‑site behavior teams, and continuity of programs so students need not change sites for services. Presenters said data indicated over‑representation of African American and Hispanic scholars in special education and disproportionate suspension rates; they urged regular monitoring, fidelity of intervention implementation and improved data systems to guide interventions.

Trustees expressed appreciation for the committee’s work and supported scheduling a study session to examine special‑education programming in detail. The committee provided a one‑page summary of findings and recommended next steps for board consideration.