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Candidates highlight special‑education staffing and hiring a new director as district priority
Summary
At the forum candidates said special‑education turnover and hiring a replacement director are pressing concerns; incumbents pointed to ICT expansion to elementary grades and active candidate screening for the special‑education director.
Multiple audience questions focused on special‑education services and staffing. Candidates agreed the primary challenges are turnover in the special‑education office and recruiting qualified personnel.
Bill Wallman and Lisa Smith described the district’s expansion of integrated co‑teaching (ICT) classes at elementary levels as a positive step and said the upcoming hire of a new special‑education director is a high priority. Lisa Smith said the board is screening candidates and will continue the search until the district finds a strong fit. Mary Redden, who serves as k–12 committee on special education chairperson and is a longtime special‑education teacher, emphasized hiring practices, certification and the need for staff who understand Part 200 and related services such as occupational and physical therapy.
Scott Kaufmann said he would benchmark best practices and ensure the district hires top talent; he said he would look to national and regional best practices to improve outcomes. Candidates agreed that consistent leadership and lower class sizes aid special‑education delivery and noted the district has expanded support to keep students in district schools rather than transferring them out.
No candidate proposed an immediate administrative hire during the forum; several said the selection process is underway and that parents and teachers will be involved in screening and feedback.
