Board approves MOU to host cooperative intensive special‑education program at Scranton

The Santa Fe Trail USD board voted to approve a draft memorandum of understanding to host a cooperative, intensive special‑education program at Scranton for the 2025–26 school year.

A district staff member introduced a presenter to describe the program’s design: two classrooms (preK–5 and grades 6–12), two certified teachers, specialized instruction focused on autism‑structured teaching, and behavior technicians providing 1:1 support. The presenter said the program would start small—“somewhere about 6 to 8 to start”—and emphasized that the rooms would be highly staffed so “none of the students would be left alone for any time at all.”

Cost estimates presented to the board included a cooperative total staffing estimate of about $260,000 before reimbursements; presenters described multiple scenarios for the local share, noting a Santa Fe Trail share was discussed in the ballpark of tens of thousands of dollars depending on transfers, reimbursements and the final staffing plan. The presenter also identified one‑time facility work—fire doors, single‑user restrooms and a shower option—estimated roughly $65,000–$85,000 total, and said the district’s local assessment would cover a proportional share of that construction cost.

Board members expressed particular concern about locating the program next to the district preschool. One trustee asked whether the arrangement would increase liability for the district and whether preschoolers could be kept safe; the presenter replied that staff would receive training, the students in the program would be highly supervised, and insurance adjustments would be made for the Scranton site. The board also asked for clearer selection criteria and for language in the MOU to spell out utility, custodial and insurance billing.

After questions and discussion, the Chair called for the vote. With no objection recorded, the board moved on to the consent agenda, indicating acceptance of the MOU and the related recommendations to include billing and custodial provisions in the final agreement. The board directed staff to include explicit financial responsibilities (15% utilities allocation based on square footage was discussed), hourly custodial billing and insurance arrangements in the document before final signature.

Next steps: staff will finalize the MOU with the operating and billing details discussed and return materials reflecting final cost allocations and selection criteria.