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Special-education numbers tick down; district readies Integrated Monitoring Review visit
Summary
The district reported 558 in-district IEPs in a spring pull (down from 575 in fall), highlighted unified-sports and language-based continuum programs, said PRS/BSEA complaints to date were resolved in the district's favor, and previewed a June 2-3 Integrated Monitoring Review (IMR) visit with a written report to follow.
Dr. Cataldo (Special Education) told the school committee the number of students receiving services on IEPs inside the district decreased in the spring pull to 558 (575 in fall; 579 in winter), excluding out-of-district placements, and emphasized that fidelity with MTSS could reduce future special-education referrals.
She described district continuum programs (language-based partnership with Landmark, unified sports, age-18-22 transition programs and "bridge" classes at the high school) and praised CPAC and the parent community for strong support and fundraising. Dr. Cataldo also said PRS/BSEA complaints filed this year were reviewed and decided in the district's favor.
On compliance, she previewed an Integrated Monitoring Review by the state (IMR) scheduled for June 2-3 with three reviewers touring schools (high school, RAMS, Placentino, Miller) and interviewing principals and staff; the district expects a report in roughly 8-12 weeks after the visit. She recommended monthly tracking of referrals to special education, monthly restraint reviews, district-wide special-education staff meetings at least twice yearly, and a periodic outside program review.
The committee asked for clarity about the IEP counts: Dr. Cataldo said the numbers presented exclude students placed by families in private schools where services are provided by those private institutions; she committed to providing a total IEP count that includes private placements the next day.
Next steps: IMR site visit June 2-3; administration will provide requested clarifying numbers on total IEPs (in-district plus privately placed) and continue to refine monthly reporting for the fall.
