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Leakey ISD grapples with growing special‑education caseloads; superintendent outlines 'Focus Program'
Summary
Superintendent Christopher Yeschke said special-education caseloads average about 21–22 students per teacher and the district expects special-education enrollment to reach 24–25% of total enrollment; he described plans for a 'Focus Program' and noted the district currently has no applicants for an open special-education teacher position.
Superintendent Christopher Yeschke told the board the district is facing increasing special-education needs and staffing pressures. Current special-education teacher caseloads are approximately 21–22 students per teacher; as referral and evaluation processes conclude, Yeschke said the district anticipates special-education enrollment may reach about 24–25% of total enrollment.
"The district currently has no applicants for the open special education position," Yeschke said, underscoring the staffing challenge. To address behavioral and emotional needs and reduce removals from general classrooms, the district is developing a "Focus Program" that would place trained aides in classrooms to intervene early with students showing emotional dysregulation and to help keep students in the least restrictive environment.
The district is also managing one enrolled kindergarten student who is deaf and requires transportation to a regional program in Uvalde; staff are finalizing logistics and exploring whether a parent could be hired as a driver. Yeschke said some students may later transition to residential placement at the Texas School for the Deaf as appropriate.
