Special Education Directors unveil comprehensive plan for 2025 to 2028 at board meeting

The Middletown Area School District is set to enhance its special education services following the approval of a comprehensive plan for 2025 to 2028 during the MASD Board Meeting on April 1, 2025. The plan, presented by Special Education Director Sonya Bruner and Assistant Director Dr. Chelsey Pruznak, outlines key strategies aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with special needs.

The district has been actively developing this plan since December 2024, incorporating feedback from a special education committee meeting held in March. The finalized plan is now ready for board approval and will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) by the May 1 deadline.

Key highlights of the plan include a detailed overview of current programming across various schools, staffing levels, and the types of support provided. For instance, Fink Elementary currently serves 65 special education students with two learning support teachers, while Reid Elementary, which houses autism support programs, has a larger staff to cater to its 11 special education students.

The plan emphasizes the importance of providing a least restrictive environment for students, ensuring they can participate in regular education settings as much as possible. Strategies include differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, and the use of data to monitor student progress. Additionally, the district is committed to implementing positive behavior supports and crisis management training for staff to better assist students in need.

The plan also outlines goals in several key areas, including autism support, transition planning for students exiting high school, and compliance with state regulations. Notably, the district aims to enhance parent engagement through training sessions that help families navigate their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

As the district prepares to submit this plan, it reflects a proactive approach to meeting the diverse needs of its students and ensuring they receive the support necessary for their educational success. The board's approval marks a significant step forward in the district's commitment to special education, with the expectation that these initiatives will lead to improved outcomes for students in the coming years.