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Rockport proposes expanding elementary intensive learning program to reduce out‑of‑district placements
Summary
District leaders said an elementary intensive learning program (currently K–2) has produced positive short‑term results and proposed adding a 3–5 classroom. Officials said the expansion will be accomplished through staff reallocation rather than adding FTEs and aims to keep students in district.
District staff described results from an elementary intensive learning program and presented a plan to expand it into a K–2 and a 3–5 classroom to meet student needs and limit out‑of‑district placements.
"The goal is to keep them in the classroom, and really be inclusive, not for the sake of inclusion, but really be part of that classroom," said Anne Marie Luster (introduced at the meeting), describing the program's intent to provide intensive supports while keeping children in district settings. Leadership said the program has had "really seriously strong results" in its first year and that the next step is to expand the model by age band.
Committee members pressed on staffing and cost implications; presenters repeatedly noted the expansion would be achieved by reallocating current staff rather than asking the town for new positions. The administration also said the special education line in the draft budget still includes the planned elementary school psychologist position and that the district intends to post and fill it.
