Superintendent outlines 100‑day plan; special services director presents Gibson review and data
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Dodd described a March 1–June 9 100‑day entry plan focused on listening and system review; Jerry Reeder, executive director of special services, presented district special education data (gifted 7.9%, students with disabilities 22.09%) and previewed follow‑up actions from a Gibson evaluation.
Superintendent Dr. Dodd opened with remarks on his first month in office and a March 1–June 9 100‑day entry plan centered on listening, school visits and a deeper review of teaching and leadership across the district. "I do not take this responsibility lightly," he told the board, saying he has visited all 21 schools and will keep the community apprised as the work continues.
Jerry Reeder, the district's executive director of special services, gave a department overview and presented outcome and program data. Reeder said gifted programming represents 7.9% of students districtwide and that students identified with disabilities are 22.09% of enrollment (based on the 120‑day count). "We serve students ages 3 to 21," he said, outlining the continuum of placement from general education with supports up to homebound or hospital settings and identifying related services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Reeder summarized high‑level findings from a recent Gibson evaluation, saying the review found strengths in staffing, resources and classroom instruction and opportunities to "improve consistency and strengthen systems across the district," including referral and evaluation processes and alignment of IEP practices. He said the district will provide a deeper board report in early June and convene a cross‑functional special services team in phased work to implement Gibson recommendations.
Board members and the superintendent emphasized priorities Reeder identified: expanded professional learning, consistent positive behavior supports, and attention to special education caseload management. Reeder noted the district is participating in the Office of Special Education’s Inclusion Cohort, continuing partnerships (such as LEAP and UNM resident teacher supports), and pursuing staffing strategies including a hard‑to‑staff stipend and recruitment fairs.
Next steps the presentation identified include a June 8 workshop to review the Gibson report in depth and phased recommendations from the cross‑functional team; Reeder said further implementation details and timelines will be provided in follow‑up reports.
