Hopkins School Board Meetings March 11th, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Special Education 101 foundational overview
Transition Plus program spotlight
Special Education federal governance and settings
Child Find referral process
Staffing structures and itinerant service providers
Budgetary cross-subsidy and third-party billing
Cultural responsiveness in assessment protocols
Expansion of center-based programs
Autism day treatment partnership with St. David's
Budgetary sustainability and legislative advocacy
Areas of Interest (5)
- District faces 7 million dollar cross-subsidy gap in special education, highlighting the instability of the current funding model.
- Hopkins Schools reports a surge in needs with 30% of West Middle School sixth graders qualifying for special education services.
- Staffing shortages for speech and language pathologists and special education professionals remain a critical budgetary and operational pressure point.
- Concerns mount regarding the sustainability of special education services if federal funding streams face future federal cuts.
- The district operates a massive service network across 55+ locations, including private sites and daycares, straining administrative oversight.
Notable Quotes (2)
Special education is a mandate from idea which is that we are supposed to provide a free and appropriate education to all students.
If the Department of Education is undone that would include a loss of federal funding streams... the burden... does not continue to fall on districts because we can't do it.
People (5)
AndresChairPresiding over the Hopkins Public Schools workshop.
Presiding over the Hopkins Public Schools workshop.
Dr. Mary PerDr.Introducing the Special Education leadership team and framing the meeting objectives.
Introducing the Special Education leadership team and framing the meeting objectives.
Fonda ContrasDirector of Special ServicesProviding details on special education mandates, eligibility, and service settings.
1 quote
Providing details on special education mandates, eligibility, and service settings.
“Abled does not mean enabled disabled does not mean less abled.”
Emphasizing person-first language in special education.
Heather Garabaldi DavisAssistant Director of Special ServicesCo-presenting on special education foundations and program spotlights.
Co-presenting on special education foundations and program spotlights.
Dr. HarlandBoard MemberParticipating in the discussion regarding district service sites and budget challenges.
Participating in the discussion regarding district service sites and budget challenges.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- March 11th, 2025 - Hopkins Public Schools Workshop - 5:05 p.m.