Board approves revised Section 504 procedures; district reports counts of 504 plans and IEPs

The Hamilton School District board voted on Nov. 18 to approve revised Section 504 procedures that clarify roles, change wording (for example, replacing the word “test” with “assessment”) and align implementation responsibilities to the staff members who carry them out.

Speaker S10, who identified themselves as the Section 504 chairperson, reviewed federal frameworks (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, and IDEA) and explained the practical differences between Section 504 plans and individualized education programs (IEPs). S10 told the board that as of Nov. 1 the district had 151 Section 504 plans, 580 IEPs, 79 individual learning plans (for English‑language learners) and 334 health‑care plans; presenters noted those numbers have likely been rising and may climb further following the approval of additional positions discussed earlier in the meeting.

Board discussion focused on overlap and trend data. S1 and others asked whether the totals refer to distinct students; S10 explained categories can overlap (for example, a student with an IEP typically does not also have a 504 plan) and said the district will provide trend detail as requested. S7 moved to approve the Section 504 procedures and S12 seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: the changes aim to ensure that the procedures list the correct district staff responsible for tasks and that terminology reflects contemporary practice (assessment vs. test), which affects how teams assess and respond to student needs. The approved procedures also clarify options when a student transfers into the district (adopt sending district 504, initiate re‑evaluation, or convene the 504 team to revise the plan).

Next steps: the procedures take effect immediately; district staff said they will provide a more detailed breakdown of trends and cross‑category counts if the board asks for further analysis.