Petersburg schools weigh added special ed staff as intensive-needs count tops projection

The Petersburg School District counted 28 students with intensive special education needs this fall, five more than the 23 it projected, and is considering adding a special education teacher and a dedicated classroom next school year.

Superintendent Taylor reported the figures in a report in the meeting packet for the school board's regular meeting at 6 pm Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the middle school and high school library.

Those students need significant individual support, with student-to-staff ratios from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on each student's needs, the report says. Most attend Stedman Elementary School, which adds demands on special education and support staff while the district works to fill vacant positions.

Special Education Director Cyndy Fry and Principal Heather Conn are reviewing current staffing and how services are delivered. For next year, the district is considering another special education teacher and a dedicated classroom or resource room for students with intensive needs, while keeping services for all students with disabilities.

To help with Stedman's immediate needs, the district is also working to become an approved site for the University of Alaska's Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program. Aspiring administrators there would complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience.

Total enrollment in the fall count submitted to the state education department came in two students above projection. The count, a full-time-equivalent figure, totaled 456.4: 191.25 at Stedman, 116.4 at Mitkof Middle School, 148.75 at Petersburg High School and 6 in preschool.

No board vote on the staffing options is scheduled.