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Special education director presents annual federal spending plan; district reports rising caseload and autism as fastest‑growing category
Summary
Director Vivian Vulo presented the division’s proposed IDEA spending plan, reporting an increase in students served (3,892 on Dec. 1, 2025; 3,994 as of Feb. 28) and noting autism as the fastest‑growing disability category; the board will be asked to approve the plan at its April 21 meeting.
Vivian Vulo, director of special education, presented Newport News Public Schools’ proposed annual spending plan for federal special education funds on March 17, saying the plan satisfies federal and state assurances required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and will be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education after board approval.
Vulo reported the division served 3,892 students with disabilities on Dec. 1, 2025 (the federal count date) and said the district was serving 3,994 students as of Feb. 28 — an increase of 95 students since December. She told the board that the number of students identified with autism continues to rise and that many of those students require more intensive supports and smaller teacher‑to‑student ratios.
The plan, Vulo said, outlines how federal Parts B and 619 funding will be used to support personnel and services (including approximately 121 positions supported by these funds), maintain required assurances (free appropriate public education and individualized education programs) and provide services to parentally‑placed private school students as required. She also described partnerships that support transition and employment outcomes for students with disabilities, including internships through Project SEARCH and other community partners.
Board members asked for disaggregated counts (for example, preschool vs. school‑age placements and self‑contained vs. inclusion settings) and Vulo said she would compile and provide those details after the meeting. She also explained that federal allocations are based on the December 1 count and described how funding considers service intensity levels.
What’s next: The board will be asked to approve the annual plan at its April 21 meeting; the division must submit the plan to the Virginia Department of Education by May 8.
