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Board approves Northwest Regional ESD local service plan covering special-education services
Summary
Vernonia SD 47J approved the Northwest Regional ESD 2026–27 local service plan, confirming participation in shared special-education and related services to remain IDEA-compliant and provide specialized supports.
The Vernonia SD 47J School Board voted to approve the Northwest Regional ESD 2026–27 local service plan, a collaborative agreement that provides shared special-education and related services to small districts.
Chair put the plan to a vote after a staff presentation outlining services such as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, autism consultants, a registered nurse, and a technology-hosting arrangement. The superintendent said the arrangement helps the district remain compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and that contracting through the ESD is cost-efficient for small districts.
Superintendent and staff gave cost context: the district reported paying roughly $62,000 a year for one student placed at Cascade Academy (a separate behavior program) plus associated transportation costs; staff also noted seats held at Meadowlark and collaborative options to secure intensive placements when needed. The board approved the ESD service plan by voice vote.
