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Oak Grove trustees hear spike in special‑education caseloads and staffing needs
Summary
District officials told the board that special‑education enrollment has risen to about 1,241 students (≈15% of district enrollment), driving higher assessments, more one‑to‑one aides and a $39.5 million special‑education spend that the state funds only partially. Trustees pressed for causes and interim steps, and staff said a therapeutic class could open Dec. 1.
Oak Grove School District officials on Nov. 13 told the board that special‑education enrollment and related costs have climbed sharply, increasing pressure on staff and the general fund.
Assistant Superintendent Ena opened the presentation and introduced Director of Special Education Sheetal Singh and Coordinator Megan Duffy, who provided enrollment, staffing and fiscal figures for the district’s special‑education program. Singh said the district serves about 8,404 students total (including preschool) and currently has 1,241 students with individualized education programs, approximately 15% of enrollment. She said the district has completed 157 initial assessments so far this year and accepted 73 students who moved into the district with existing IEPs.
“The goal in Oak Grove is always to keep our students in the least restrictive environment,” Director Sheetal Singh said. She added that higher parental referrals and a lower testing threshold since the pandemic have sent more…
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