Special‑education review finds 'structurally sound' department but calls for clearer communication and behavioral supports

At the June 9 meeting, special‑education director Basana Spalding presented findings from a culture and climate review of the district’s special‑education operations.

Spalding told the board the review affirmed important strengths — a student‑centered mission, dedicated staff and existing collaborative practices — and concluded that the department is “fundamentally structurally sound.” The review nonetheless identified consistent opportunities for improvement: clearer communication and follow‑through, clarified roles and responsibilities, greater consistency in implementation, stronger accountability and expanded behavioral‑support capacity.

Actions under way: Spalding said the department has already begun strengthening weekly PPS leadership meetings, implementing biweekly check‑ins with principals and reviewing and updating procedural guidance documents over the summer. She also reported planning for additional staff training to expand behavioral supports for students with intensive needs.

Context and next steps: The review included interviews with district leaders, supervisors, building administrators, teachers, PPS specialists, paraprofessionals and support staff. Spalding said the department will share the written analysis and the previous 2021–22 audit with the board by email and will align recommendations with district priorities under the incoming superintendent. She thanked supervisors Katherine Ferrer and Lynn Durham by name for their work on the review.

Board reaction: Members asked for a written copy of the analysis and the chance to review it in detail; staff agreed to distribute the materials and to return with more specifics on timelines and training plans.