Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
D75 superintendent details rising special‑education enrollment, transition programs and inclusion priorities
Summary
District 75 leadership told CEC 28 the program is growing across the five boroughs, outlined program types and post‑secondary transition priorities, and cited an increase in students identified with autism alongside efforts to expand inclusive placements.
Dr. Keisha McCoy, superintendent for District 75, presented to CEC 28 on April 16 about the district's special‑education programs and priorities.
Dr. McCoy said D75’s enrollment has grown and the office now serves approximately 31,000 students across the five boroughs with more colocated sites planned. "We are across all five boroughs," she said, adding that D75 operates dozens of colocated programs and is opening new schools next year.
McCoy described program settings by staff‑to‑student ratios (for example 12:1:1 and 8:1:1) and said the district is intentionally increasing more inclusive placements where appropriate. She reported demographic data for D75 classrooms — roughly 42% Hispanic and 32% Black, with smaller shares of Asian and White students — and noted an observed rise in students identified with autism over recent reporting periods.
On priorities, McCoy emphasized student independence and post‑secondary transition: many D75 sites run vocational programs such as culinary, HVAC, school stores and graphic design, intended to teach students job and life skills. She said the district aims to reduce long bus rides for students by creating colocated placements closer to families.
Why it matters: The presentation documented growth in special‑education enrollments and concrete steps the district is taking to prepare students for jobs and independent living. For families of students with IEPs, changes in placement patterns, program availability and transition supports materially affect daily logistics and long‑term outcomes.
Next steps: Dr. McCoy invited further questions and said the district will continue outreach; CEC 28 has scheduled a special‑education committee meeting for April 23 to raise parent questions and expect district special‑education staff to attend.
