Leakey ISD reports rising special‑education needs; plans proactive 'Focus Program' and logistics for deaf kindergarten student

Superintendent Christopher Yeschke told the board Jan. 19 that special‑education needs in Leakey ISD are growing and creating strained caseloads. He said current caseloads average "approximately 21–22 students per teacher," and the district anticipates special education will reach about "24–25% of total enrollment" as recent referrals and evaluations conclude.

To address behavioral and emotional needs, the district is developing a "Focus Program" that would train aides to monitor classrooms and intervene with students exhibiting emotional dysregulation to keep them in the least restrictive environment. Yeschke said this is intended to reduce escalations and documentation burdens on teachers.

The district also reported enrolling a kindergarten student who is deaf. As the host school, Leakey ISD is obligated to provide transportation to the regional program in Uvalde; transportation logistics are being finalized and district staff said they are exploring whether a parent could be hired as a driver. Yeschke noted the student may eventually transition to the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin for residential placement if appropriate.

Why it matters: Rapidly rising special‑education enrollment can change staffing needs, budget estimates and program delivery. The board was informed that there are currently no applicants for the open special education teacher position and that documentation burdens are significant.