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Special education enrollment rises; district readies for dyslexia screening in 2027–28
Summary
Special education enrollment in New Buffalo Area Schools increased to 69 students in 2025–26, and the district plans to add dyslexia as an eligibility category in 2027–28, requiring universal screening and state-approved programs, the special education coordinator told the board.
The New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education heard a special education update from coordinator Diane Hyatte on Feb. 23 outlining current caseloads, upcoming program changes and staff training needs.
"For the 2025–2026 school year, the district is serving 69 special education students across 30 programs, an increase from 61 students the previous year," Hyatte reported, and she said projections for 2026–2027 anticipate growth to 71 students and 32 programs while staffing and budget levels remain the same. Hyatte outlined district initiatives including implementation of DocuSign, a district-wide special education request form, targeted staff training (FBA/BIP, PWN, START through BRESA), and the launch of the Best Buddies program at the middle and high school levels.
Hyatte told the board that dyslexia will become a new area of special education eligibility beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. The change will require universal screening and adoption of state-approved instructional programs, she said, and will necessitate future training and resource allocation. The presentation did not specify exact training dates or additional budget requests tied to the dyslexia rollout.
Board members did not record a formal vote tied to this presentation; the item was delivered as informational. The district will continue to report enrollment and program changes to the board as planning for dyslexia eligibility progresses.
