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Hampton seeks $4.9 million in federal funds to bolster special education and transition services
Summary
The district presented its annual special education plan, saying students with disabilities make up 14% of the population and requesting $4,900,000 in federal funds to close achievement gaps, recruit staff and strengthen postsecondary transition services.
Kimberly Judge, director of special education for Hampton City Schools, told the board on May 6 that students with disabilities represent about 14% of the district's enrollment and that the division is requesting $4,900,000 in federal funds to support staffing, services and postsecondary outcomes.
Judge described the presentation as the annual federal-plan review and said the money would support positions and services aligned with federal and state regulations. Transition specialist Sherry Hildebrandt outlined the district's approach to postsecondary readiness, saying the work moves students from "exploration and structured supports in the early years" toward "real employment, independence, and long term career goals." Hildebrandt cited program metrics, saying 92 percent of students on the applied-studies track are connected to outside agencies by ninth grade.
Board members praised the transition work and asked about employer partners; presenters named Sentara CarePlex, shipyard employers and the Virginia Air and Space Center among partners who have created workplace opportunities and, in some cases, hired students who participated in academy partnerships.
The presentation concluded with board praise for the program's outcomes and a request to bring follow-up information as needed.
