Greenville County School Board Reviews Special Education Services
Greenville, S.C. – The Greenville County School Board is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its special education department. This assessment follows the tragic death of an 8-year-old boy with autism within the year. In light of the family’s outcry for improved disability services, county leaders have now deemed it necessary to evaluate the existing support systems in place.
What Prompted the Review
School Superintendent of Special Education Services, Traci Hogan, noted that the last external review of the department occurred in 2014. This prolonged period without external oversight has led to calls for a fresh audit. During the school board’s meeting on November 12, the necessity of conducting this audit was brought to the forefront. Discussions included not only the historical context of special education in Greenville but also an analysis of its current operations.
Gathering Input for Improvement
As part of this initiative, the board has proposed bringing in an external consultant. This move aims to ensure that progress is being made toward improving special education services. The firm will be tasked with examining internal data and gathering feedback through focus groups and surveys from families involved in the special education program.
Timeline and Process for the Audit
At this time, a specific timeline for the audit has not been established, and the board has not identified any consultants to accept bids from. Nevertheless, the expectation is that the audit will be completed within a year. Stakeholders are hopeful that this thorough review will inform future improvements in the department.
Community Input and Advisory Councils
Many parents have expressed the need for a dedicated local advisory council focused specifically on special education. While the U.S. Department of Education does not mandate such councils, it supports their establishment as a best practice for enhancing service delivery. District officials suggest that the possibility of forming an advisory council may come to fruition after the audit is complete.
A Path Forward for Special Education
This initiative marks a significant step for Greenville County Schools as they aim to address the needs of students with disabilities. The community’s voice is being prioritized through the proposed focus groups and surveys, giving families a platform to express their concerns and suggestions.
As the Greenville County School Board moves forward with this review, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about the impact it will have on the quality of special education services in the district. Following the completion of the audit, it is expected that substantial recommendations will be made to enhance the support system for students with disabilities and their families.
Conclusion
The review of the special education department by the Greenville County School Board is an essential move in light of recent events. With the involvement of an external consultant and open communication with families, the district aims to create a more responsive and effective special education system, ultimately providing better support for students like the young boy whose passing has sparked this critical evaluation.
