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Special education caseload rises to about 17% as Cascade highlights staffing needs
Summary
The district's director of special services reported Cascade's special education population is around 17% (pushing toward 18%), with about 466 students on caseloads and some requiring multiple adult supports; staff stressed the importance of classified aides and SLPs.
Director of Special Services Miss Johnson told the board Cascade's special education share of enrollment has risen to about 17% and is trending toward 18% over recent years. "They expect a school district to not go above 15% special education," she said, adding that identification guidance and families moving into the district for services are both drivers.
Johnson gave caseload detail: "We have 466 students" (with a note that the number was likely higher when she pulled it and that staffing needs vary by student; some require up to three adults and an LPN). She emphasized the role of classified staff and speech‑language pathologists in supporting students, calling instructional assistants "the life and breath of special education." Board members asked whether the district's rates are in line with peers; Johnson said many districts now exceed the historical 15% cap and the trend has increased over the last six years.
The board did not take formal action on staffing at this meeting but the presentation flagged rising caseloads as a budget and staffing pressure for upcoming planning cycles.
