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Board debates trimming psychologist staff as special-education caseloads and compliance concerns loom
Summary
Staff told trustees the district has roughly 3 psychologists plus an intern and completed 39 psychoeducational assessments this year; trustees warned cutting positions could expose the district to compliance issues and litigation.
Staff explained the district's psychology team and workload in response to trustee questions. "So between those psychologists this year, they've completed 39 psychoeducational assessments," the staff member said, adding that each assessment takes about 12–20 hours; the district also reported 10 functional behavior assessments, 16 behavior intervention plans and about 51 students receiving 1:1 counseling.
Board members cautioned that reducing certificated psychologists risks compliance problems with special-education mandates. One trustee said, "I'm not willing to compromise the special education department to the point where we expose ourselves to the possibility of compliance issues and litigations," citing recent legal costs previously paid from the general fund. Trustees discussed contracting temporary assessment help as a short-term contingency if positions are cut, but staff warned contracting is more expensive and only a limited plan B.
