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District reports progress on 2023 special‑education audit, eyes service‑delivery changes
Summary
Staff told the board they are implementing two of three audit recommendations (staff development and a new case‑manager model) and will next explore leadership and broader service‑delivery models to reduce out‑of‑district placements and improve supports.
District administrators reported progress Tuesday on implementing recommendations from a 2023 special‑education audit and described next steps to strengthen services.
Staff said the audit produced three main recommendations: (1) increase staff development on inclusive practices and differentiation; (2) reconfigure the case‑manager model so case managers are connected to classroom practice; and (3) examine special‑education leadership and the district’s continuum of service delivery. Administrators said the district has implemented increased training for co‑teachers and paraprofessionals and plans to move from four to about six case managers who will both case manage and be in classrooms.
Board members raised concerns about access to local therapeutic day placements and the rising cost and scarcity of residential or specialized placements. Trustees emphasized the policy goal of keeping students closer to their home schools when possible and urged staff to examine gaps in in‑house services so that placement in more restrictive settings can be avoided longer.
Staff cautioned the board that federal maintenance‑of‑effort rules require districts to preserve special‑education resourcing and that some changes will require careful planning and time to implement. Administrators said they will continue to evaluate the continuum of services and report recommended leadership or structural changes to the board as the work progresses.
