Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) is facing critical challenges in special education and athletic support, as highlighted during a recent Board of Education meeting on January 30, 2025. Stakeholders, including veteran special educators and concerned parents, voiced urgent calls for increased funding and staffing to address these pressing issues.

A group of experienced special educators emphasized the need for a robust infrastructure to support inclusive education. They pointed out that years of underfunding have eroded the special education framework, making it difficult to meet the diverse needs of students. They urged the board to commit to sustainable funding that allows for the growth of inclusive services, ensuring that future generations of educators can effectively serve students with special needs.

Catherine De Cristo Ferro, a parent of a special education student, raised alarms about the lack of full-time athletic trainers in schools, citing a tragic incident involving a former student athlete. She argued that the absence of dedicated medical staff during athletic events poses significant risks to student safety. Additionally, she highlighted the ongoing shortage of special education teachers, which has left many students without the individualized support they require.

The meeting also featured Denise Taylor, an instructional facilitator for speech services, who called for the addition of at least 15 new speech-language pathologist (SLP) positions. She shared the story of a student who has struggled to receive adequate speech services due to high turnover among SLPs, underscoring the impact of staffing shortages on student progress.

Occupational therapists also expressed their concerns, noting that the increasing demand for services has outpaced current staffing levels. They requested the addition of at least 10 new positions to ensure that students receive the necessary support to thrive in their educational environments.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective urgency for the Board of Education to prioritize funding for special education and athletic support. As the community grapples with these challenges, stakeholders are hopeful that the board will take decisive action to address the needs of students and ensure their safety and success in Howard County schools.