District outlines expansion of special education supports and partnerships with counseling providers

The district's special-education presenter gave an overview of work to expand inclusive practices, reduce over-identification, and partner with private counseling agencies to deliver mental-health supports to students.

The presenter said Twin Springs Counseling currently provides no-cost mental-health services to qualifying students primarily at McCormick Creek and Spencer Elementary, with plans to expand into the high school as availability increases. Access requires parental consent and, in many cases, insurance or Medicaid eligibility; district leaders said they are pursuing grants to broaden reach while preserving the no-cost model for families who cannot pay.

Special education staff described efforts to lower unnecessary labeling of students by emphasizing environment and interventions before special-education placement, and called for districtwide behavior-management training and improved follow-up on consultants' recommendations. The presenter noted a district board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is available for consultation but that schools need consistent follow-through by staff.

"We have started focusing on the whole child in special education and branching that out into our general education teachers too," the presenter said, adding that inclusion and continuum-of-supports approaches have shown early academic and social gains.

District leaders asked the board to consider sustained funding for behavior supports and expanded mental-health staffing so services can be available more widely without cost barriers for families.