St. Helens School District allocates $1.4M for local service plan and special education

In the heart of St. Helens, Oregon, the local school board convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss pivotal developments in educational services and technology aimed at enhancing student safety and learning. The meeting, marked by a collaborative spirit, focused on the upcoming local service plan and innovative technology initiatives designed to support both students and parents.

The board began by outlining the local service plan in partnership with the Northwest Regional Education Service District (ESD). For the 2024-2025 school year, the district has been allocated $1.4 million, primarily funded through local tax dollars. This funding is crucial, as it allows the district to purchase essential services, particularly in special education, where the need is significant. The allocation includes 25% for core services agreed upon by all superintendents, while the remaining 75% will be used to acquire specialized services, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology. The board emphasized the importance of these services, especially with the recent establishment of a special education classroom at Lewis and Clark School, catering to students with complex needs.

Transitioning to technology, Ed Leader, the district's director of technology, introduced an exciting new tool aimed at bolstering student online safety. The LineWise suite, which includes web filtering and monitoring capabilities, is designed to help teachers manage student engagement during class. A notable addition to this suite is Custodio, a companion app that empowers parents to monitor their children's online activities both at school and at home. This tool allows parents to pause internet access on school-issued devices, providing them with greater control over their children's screen time and online behavior.

Leader detailed the rollout plan for Custodio, set to begin on March 17, 2025. Parents will receive introductory emails and guidance on how to enroll their students, ensuring they can effectively utilize the app's features. This initiative has been met with enthusiasm, as it addresses parental concerns about online safety and screen time management.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of education in St. Helens. With a strong focus on special education and innovative technology solutions, the school board is committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. As the district prepares to implement these plans, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact on student well-being and academic success.