Special Education Recommendation

Next Wednesday, the Special Education Committee will be presenting their recommendations to the Board of Education during the workshop. Since I had been on that committee, I have been asked by a couple of parents what the committee has worked on. I will answer that, but will be a little vague as I do not want to steal the thunder of the committee.

The Special Education Committee was tasked with developing a plan to ensure services are equitably spread throughout the district. Areas of service that are widespread like SLD (Specific Learning Disabilities) would be in every building. Areas of service that are limited to a smaller group of students, like Autism, would be balanced across the district by providing a K-12 path leading to North and one to West. This allows more Special Needs students to attend their home school or a school nearer their home. In theory, this should reduce some busing. In addition, the better distribution of services and increased professional development benefits all students regardless of abilities.

A significant focus was given to allowing Special Needs students to be as included as possible with peers in the classroom. Rooms needed for special services are to be centrally located so that students can move between rooms easily and so that Special Needs students aren't relegated to a "special place" somewhere on the outskirts of a school building or in a drafty and inadequate room never meant for any student. All recommendations are in line with current federal and state laws and district policies.

The recommendation is based on a K-3, 4-8 plan. That is not to say that it couldn't be done with our current configuration, the recommendations would simply have to be changed to achieve the same goals. Regardless of the grade configuration or whether a referendum passes, doing what needs to be done with the Special Needs program will cost money. The money spent will be worth it to all students, our district, and our community.