Board approves contracts for intensive behavioral supports and directs plan to build in-house capacity

The Oxnard School District Board approved agreements on April 15 to continue contracting with specialized agencies that provide intensive, individualized behavioral supports for students whose behaviors present safety or educational barriers.

District special-education staff said the agencies supply highly trained paraprofessionals and clinicians who provide one-on-one supports for students with significant externalizing behaviors (risk of harm to self or others, property damage, or severe disruption). Staff presented year-over-year caseload and expenditure data showing an overall reduction in aggregate agency spending as some student supports were faded out, though shifts occurred across vendors.

Trustees pressed staff for an in-house capacity plan. Dr. Jefferson (special education) said the highest-need cases require staff whose baseline skills and training currently exceed the usual paraprofessional role and recommended developing a new classification and longer-term recruitment/training plan so the district can reduce contracted services in time. Trustees asked Human Resources and labor partners to explore options for building staff capacity and apprenticeship pathways while maintaining a sufficient substitute pool and continuity of care for students.

The board approved the contracts but asked staff to return with a detailed plan and timeline for building internal capacity, including potential classification changes, training paths and budget implications.