Conroe Independent School District (CISD) is reviewing its special education department due to rising costs and a decentralization plan. Kendra Wiggins, CISD executive director of special education, presented the annual special education update to the CISD board. The district currently serves 12,282 special education students, making up 17% of the total student population.

Decentralization Plan

The decentralization plan, also known as the “homecoming” plan, aims to allow students to attend school in their zoned neighborhoods. Wiggins stated that the plan is not a budget shift but a structural shift, using district resources to keep kids closer to home effectively.

CISD has lost an estimated $10 million since the 2022-23 school year due to cuts in Medicaid. The district participates in the School Health and Related Services program, which allows districts to request reimbursement for health-related services provided to Medicaid-eligible students, specifically related to special education students.

Personnel and Programs

To meet the rising special education population’s needs, the district has hired more personnel, including 15 new dyslexia teachers, four new speech pathologists, four new diagnosticians, and four new school psychologists. The district also hosted student orientation nights to familiarize special education students with their future surroundings, which were a large success.

The CISD board also received an update on the Conroe ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, which aims to create a culture of inclusion where communication is seamless, and every child’s potential is championed by a united front of educators and teachers. The committee’s bylaws and board policies are currently drafted for consideration by the board, and the council will formally launch on August 31.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.