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Malden School Committee orders comprehensive audit of special-education services
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to direct an internal audit of Malden Public Schools’ special-education services to review IEP delivery, staffing, compliance and collaboration; findings are due by April 6, 2026.
The Malden School Committee voted unanimously Nov. 10 to order a comprehensive internal audit of the district’s special-education services to evaluate whether individualized education program (IEP) services are being delivered consistently and effectively.
The motion, introduced by committee member Miss Spaphora, directs the district to review service grids, staffing levels, compliance with state and federal regulations, and collaboration practices between educators, service providers and families. "The purpose of this audit would be to evaluate the delivery, consistency, and effectiveness of services provided to students with disabilities as outlined in their IEPs," Miss Spaphora said when presenting the motion. The committee set a deadline for findings and recommendations of April 6, 2026.
Supporters described the audit as timely. Miss Spaphora told the committee she had been visiting classrooms and was concerned by reports from educators and parents about classroom staffing and bycases in which staff working under waivers lacked a special-education background. "There is some concern surrounding classroom sizes, the amount of students receiving special education services, and educators working on waivers that don't necessarily have a background in special education," she said.
Superintendent Dr. Simple said the audit aligns with work already included in the district’s goals and program review plans. "I really see that they complement each other very well," he said, adding the district may engage outside consultants if the internal review uncovers larger issues that require external expertise.
Committee members asked procedural questions about who would conduct the audit; Miss Spaphora said the initial review would be internal, with the district's special-education office carrying out the work and outreach to caregivers as was done in a 2021 review, but that consultants could be retained if warranted. Pam McDonald, assistant superintendent for student services, was on the meeting’s panel during the discussion and was referenced as part of the leadership team supporting the effort.
The committee’s motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes. The superintendent and committee said they expect the audit’s findings to guide hiring and program adjustments ahead of the next school year and to help the district prepare for a scheduled DESE monitoring visit in 2026–27.
The committee recited the usual meeting process items after the vote and moved on to community announcements and other business.
