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District outlines plan for two autism-center classrooms at Edison
Summary
Staff proposed opening two elementary autism center classrooms at Edison, describing staffing needs (two teachers, two parapros per classroom, a social worker and a supervisor) and saying placements will follow Oakland County center-program processes; trustees asked for cost estimates.
District staff presented a proposal to open two autism center classrooms at Edison Elementary to serve students with autism spectrum disorder and neighboring districts' needs. The proposal called for staffing two teachers, two paraprofessionals per classroom, a social worker and a supervisor to oversee the program; positions would be paid from the center fund for those roles funded by that program.
Dr. Fosse, who staff introduced to speak to the item, told trustees neighboring districts have wait lists and that opening two classrooms could add roughly 12 seats regionally. Staff emphasized they will not begin accepting applications or service requests until the required positions are filled because it is challenging to hire teachers with autism endorsements.
Trustees asked for an estimate of the salary and total cost to staff the classrooms; staff agreed to provide an estimate at the next meeting. Trustees also asked whether local Hazel Park students would receive priority; staff said county-level center placement procedures apply and that, currently, Hazel Park has minimal elementary-level wait lists so spots could be used by local students if needed.
The board did not take a final vote on the center proposal; staff will return with cost estimates and implementation details once hiring progress is clear.
