Washington County School Board taking a pro-active move for students of the county.
by Kathy Foster
The Washington County School Board met in a workshop Tuesday afternoon to discuss proactive measures to provide in-county educational opportunities for ESE students now traveling to the Hope School in Jackson County.
School District spokeswoman Beth Arnold said the proactive approach is needed because the Jackson County Hope School is enrolling more students from that county, which could result in fewer out-of-county students being accepted at the school.
Arnold said currently there are nine Washington County students enrolled at Hope School and the parents of seven of those students have expressed interest in transferring their students to a school in Washington County if that option becomes available. She also pointed out that approximately 25 students currently enrolled in the Washington County School District would meet eligibility for enrollment if the new school is opened.
If given DOE approval, the new school description would be as follows:
- Classes would be staffed with a teacher and paraprofessionals depending on the need of the students.
- A room would be used for the OP/PT/Speech services.
- An office would be used for all records, behavior analyst and Teacher on Special Assignment.
- A few middle and high school students may participate in courses on the RMS/CHS campus.
- Staff at the new school would accompany the students while participating in a general education course with non-disabled peers.
District personnel said most of the equipment needed for the new school is already owned by the District and is in storage. However, they did say the following personnel could be needed:
- Teacher on Special Assignment to oversee Extended School Year and School Year
- Clerical position
- One teacher/one paraprofessional, depending on enrollment
- Adaptive PE – (likely this person would be a current staff member – with other duties)
Washington County School Superintendent Joe Taylor said the District should hear back from the Florida Department of Education within a couple of weeks and then the Board will have to decide on a name for the new school.