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Board debates changes to special-education evaluation policy, including timeline and language updates
Summary
The board reviewed proposed edits to Policy 113.3 (screening and evaluations for students with disabilities) that would route IE requests to the director of special education and give the district flexibility before paying for an independent educational evaluation; a board member recommended replacing the term 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual disabilities.'
During the March 12 work session the Manheim Township School Board reviewed proposed edits to Policy 113.3, which governs screening and educational evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services.
Dr. Ryman told the board the revisions would (1) change routing language so inquiries go to the director of special education rather than the director of pupil services and (2) expand the timeline language so the district has more time and options before it is required to pay for an independent educational evaluation (IE) or initiate due process.
"The adjustment that we're proposing to the board will give us the option to determine if the district is in a position to feel like we should pay for the IE or evaluate whether we want to revisit that topic with the family," Dr. Ryman said, adding the change is intended to "honor the law" while giving the district additional time to gather information and work with families.
Board member Miss Lamb asked whether the phrase "without unnecessary delay" would introduce interpretive leeway; Dr. Ryman clarified that the phrase is commonly interpreted as a 10-day guideline but the proposed language is meant to provide flexibility to meet parents and explore alternatives prior to spending district funds or scheduling due process.
Separately, board member Mr. McKenna proposed a wording update to remove antiquated terminology: "It's my understanding ... that that language is no longer considered appropriate or respectful. So, I would ask that we change that to intellectual disabilities," he said of a line in the policy that currently lists "mental retardation." Dr. Ryman said he would review that suggestion with the district solicitor and incorporate the edit.
No final vote occurred at the work session; the policy was presented as a first reading with final approval scheduled for the board’s April meeting.
Next steps: The board will consider the revised policy at the April reading; administrators said they would consult legal counsel on the specific language change and return with recommended edits.
