Parents, teachers and community members filled the Hamilton County school board meeting Thursday night to express their concerns after the district announced changes to the “exceptional education” staffing model.
For the 2025-26 school year, the district is proposing staffing exceptional education based on the amount of service hours students receive. That staffing is currently staffed based on caseload.
According to the district website, the exceptional education department “commits to partnering with families and community agencies to ensure the spirit and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act by creating, fostering and supporting inclusive environments, services and programs that meet the unique individual needs of all eligible special education students, including those students identified as gifted.”
The changes mean four fewer exceptional education teacher positions and 28 fewer assistant positions will be included in next year’s budget.
While it could result in some teachers and educational assistants needing to change school locations, district officials do not expect it will result in job losses.