Presented to the School Board on 2/14/2023
To: Londonderry School District
Kim Carpinone, Director of Pupil Services
Dan Black From: Kim Carpinone
Date: February 14, 2023 Re: Study Discussion
As you know we started talking about a study of Special Education here in Londonderry over last summer and into the budget season; it was great to learn earlier this year the School Board had similar thoughts as we look to the future.
To start the conversation and planning of a study of the Londonderry School District Special Education Programs I have outlined the following questions for Board consideration.
School Board Level Questions
A. Should a larger district wide committee be formed to represent each building as the study would need to gather building level data throughout this process?
We would recommend at this time that if we form a committee, it be an administrative committee that can always include School Board and Community input along the way.
B. Does the Board have specific questions for the study to focus their analysis on or answer?
We have already had a couple of conversations on study areas, we would propose at least looking at:
1) Staffing levels across the district based on population and needs
2) Process and evaluation of need for adult support in an IEP
3) Best practices for related Services prescribing sessions and frequency in IEPs
C. What are the parameters for costs associated with the study?
During the initial stages of the budgeting process at the administrative level, we ultimately determined we were not ready to commit to a study in time for the budget, so we would need to find a funding source if this process moves ahead.
Other Information to Consider
- During the 21-22 school year NHASA competed a comparison data analysis study of the Concord School District’s Special Education Programs. We participated in that study and were therefore able to receive a published copy. The Concord, Londonderry, Bedford, Rochester, and Salem School Districts were presented in the report.
I am happy to prepare a presentation to the Board of that study as a jumping off point.
2. The Walker Partnerships out of Needham MA completed a district wide evaluation of the Amesbury Public School’s special education program. I do not know if they are available or able to study NH, but could reach out and get cost as well. NH is a unique state with its own IDEA rules that make some aspects of special education programming unique. Any analysis would need to be factored into the uniqueness of NH