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Director: special education caseloads rising; staff training for violent behavior a growing concern
Summary
Kathleen Johnson, Cascade SD 5 Director of Special Services, told the board the district faces a growing special education population and emphasized staff training needs to safely work with students exhibiting violent behavior; she praised staff dedication: "Cascade staff loves kids!"
At the Cascade School District #5 work session on Oct. 13, 2025, Director of Special Services Kathleen Johnson briefed the board on special programs and rising caseload pressures. Johnson said the presentation addressed a statewide and even national issue: the need for staff training to work with students who exhibit violent behavior, and she noted it is increasingly challenging as Cascade's special needs population grows.
Johnson raised graduation rate outcomes for Special Education students (minutes do not specify numeric graduation rates) and stressed communication that "all kids belong at Cascade" as a central program aim. She also praised staff, saying, "Cascade staff loves kids!" Superintendent Darin Drill and board members discussed support options; the minutes record the board asking what they could do beyond additional funding, with Johnson emphasizing increased communication and inclusive messaging.
The minutes do not record a funding request or a formal motion; they summarize concerns and staff priorities. The board did not vote on program changes at the work session, and administrators noted follow‑up would be required to address staffing, training timelines and any resource needs.
