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District 7 opens Pathways Level 4 special-education center to keep students in Williston
Summary
District 7 officials introduced Pathways, a new Level 4 special-education center located in the former district office. Administrators said the program will provide a less‑restrictive alternative to residential placements and allow students to remain with family in Williston.
District 7 introduced Pathways, a Level 4 special-education center housed in the former district office across from Wilkinson, as a locally based option for students with more intensive needs. "So in special education, we operate in what we call the least restrictive environment," said Sean Huss, WILMAC Special Ed Director, explaining the district's goal to place students where they can be most successful.
Officials said the program fills a gap in the special-education continuum that previously led some students to be placed in residential settings. Huss described that gap plainly: "The next step in the continuum would be a residential facility." He added that without a Level 4 option, teams sometimes move to more restrictive placements, including level 5 residential or level 6 homebound services. "So the fact that Williston now has a Pathways program is is huge," Huss said. District leaders said keeping students in town preserves family connections and reduces the need for out-of-area placements.
