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Special education update: board presses district on autism services and PT staffing
Summary
Special education leaders told trustees one autism specialist serves 59 students; trustees asked how required minutes are delivered and how the district plans to staff a Physical Therapy position. District staff said PT will be offered via contracted services while recruitment continues.
The San Elizario ISD Special Education annual update on April 8 drew trustee questions about staffing levels and service delivery.
Mr. Richard Salcido presented the department update. Trustee Myrna Hernandez asked how autism services are being provided given the district has a single autism specialist assigned to 59 students; Mr. Salcido said the autism specialist "provides the required minutes" for students who need them. Ms. Hernandez also pressed how the district is filling a Physical Therapy position; Ms. Gina Ramirez said the district created a contracted services option, posted the opening on X.com, and reached out to agencies to recruit candidates.
Trustees asked for clarification on early childhood placement rates after a board member observed a high early childhood enrollment; Mr. Salcido said many students are still developing skills and the recommendation for placement was made based on assessment. Trustee Axel Lopez briefly stepped out of the meeting during this item.
District staff described recruitment steps underway but did not provide a recruitment timeline or vacancy count beyond the single autism specialist and the open PT position. Trustees requested ongoing updates on staffing and service delivery for special education caseloads.
