The South Washington County School Board introduced Dr. Megan Hickey as the new executive director of student support services during its workshop meeting Thursday evening at the District Service Center in Cottage Grove.

Dr. Hickey, who began her role July 16, brings over 20 years of experience from Robbinsdale, Anoka-Hennepin and Minneapolis public schools. She holds a doctoral degree in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota and will oversee special education, multilingual services, mental health services and Title I programming.

The board also reviewed progress on a district language access plan required by new state legislation. Communications Director Sean Hoganorf said the plan will document existing interpretation and translation services the district provides to families who speak languages other than English. The district currently translates its website into eight languages and uses certified interpreters for important meetings like IEP conferences.

"This is work we should be doing," Hoganorf told board members. "We've been doing most of this work. We're just documenting what we're doing." The plan must comply with Minnesota Statute 123b.32 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, requiring districts to assist students and families who communicate in languages other than English.

The board will vote on the completed language access plan this fall, with updates required every two years. Schools will receive iPads next week that connect families with on-demand interpreters in multiple languages. Superintendent Julie Nielsson reported 26 days remain until students return September 2.