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Board weighs small special‑education boundary shifts to balance SAILS programs
Summary
District staff proposed moving a few SAILS special‑education boundary areas from Palm Valley to Troy Gilbert to balance teachers and students; families were contacted and open enrollment remains an option. The board asked for more time and will return the item for a vote.
District leaders recommended modest boundary adjustments for SAILS special‑education programming at the April 14 board meeting to balance enrollment across campuses.
Dr. Benjamin said Palm Valley currently enrolls 52 SAILS students supported by four teachers, while Troy Gilbert has about 30 students and three teachers; the proposed changes would shift small areas (several parcel zones) so Troy Gilbert's program has a stronger long‑term balance. He said impacted families were contacted in advance and that open enrollment will remain available for families who prefer Palm Valley.
Board members acknowledged the sensitivity of boundary changes for students with disabilities but generally supported a proactive approach that would limit future disruption as the area grows. Miss Moran said the district must be deliberate and communicate options: "I hope that our families are going to be okay. I think Troy Gilbert's going to be a great school for them to be at," she said, while stressing the importance of offering open enrollment where possible.
The board elected to return the item for formal action at a future meeting after additional notice to families and a final recommendation from staff.
