Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School board approves 2.0 FTE reduction in special-education learning-strategist positions
Summary
After a presentation on enrollment trends and weighted caseload targets, the Stoughton board approved a staffing plan reducing 2.0 learning-strategist FTEs (including a 1.0 reduction at River Bluff and shared reductions at elementary schools) and instructed staff to return with details at the next meeting.
The Stoughton Area School District Board of Education voted to approve a staffing plan that reduces special-education learning-strategist positions by 2.0 full-time equivalents, citing enrollment projections and weighted-caseload targets.
"We are making a recommendation in special education of a 2.0 reduction," Dan, the district administrator, said. He and staff emphasized that the recommendation is enrollment-driven and, they said, would not affect employees on regular contract. The presentation noted a recommended 1.0 reduction at River Bluff and a shared reduction across two elementary schools (a 50/50 split between Fox Prairie and Sand Hill in the current proposal).
Board members asked for details on how a shared position would be scheduled and how caseloads are distributed. Kelly, a district staff member involved in staffing, said shared positions are typically split 50/50 and that weighted caseload targets of about 14:1 guide allocations. She said actual caseloads vary by building and by the complexity of students' needs and that staff would provide building-level caseload numbers on request.
Members also raised a related concern: whether fewer 4K enrollments could shift identification into kindergarten and create midyear needs. Administrators noted the district's child-find obligations beginning at age three and said their planning includes midyear flexibility to respond to unanticipated enrollments.
A motion to approve the staffing plan "as presented" was made and seconded (second by Lisa Pew). After no further discussion, the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will return to the board with further details on building-level caseloads and implementation plans when the staffing item returns for formal action at the next meeting.
