School Board Hears Summer Program Proposal for Special Ed Students

By Peter Suanlarm
The Public Spirit/Globe Times Chronicle

Upper Moreland School Board mulled over the continuation of the Extended School Year services for special education students at its meeting Feb. 3.

Melanie Munden, director of special education, presented the special education program, which would run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 27 through July 28.

Approximately 35 students between 6 and 18 years old would attend the summer program at a cost of $4,000, plus transportation per student.

“ESY is supposed to be individualized,” Munden said. “Our program will fit most students including those autism and life skills students. We know our students and we are better at meeting their needs.”

She explained that the timing of the one-month program is consistent with other ESY services in the area.

“This will be the fourth year,” Munden said. “School districts are required by law to provide extended school year services for some special education students as determined by their IEP.”

Munden detailed the estimated costs for Upper Moreland’s 2010 ESY program. She said the costs should remain the same for 2011.

In that report, the program would hire seven special education teachers totaling more than $19,400 and 11 special education assistants at approximately $12,700. Other required personnel would include a nurse, physical therapy services, OT services, speech services and social work services. The total estimated cost for the 2011 program is approximately $1,196 per student.

“If we offer less, the students would lose a lot,” Munden said.

She reminded the school board that the numbers reflect the maximum estimates.

“We may require less teachers and assistants than estimated,” she said.

Munden pointed out that many alternative providers of ESY services would charge between $4,210 and $5,570 per student. Those providers would add an extra $4,362 for a one-on-one assistant.

“Our estimated cost includes six one-on-one assistants,” Munden said.

The school board will vote on whether to go forward with ESY services Feb. 15.

Republished with the permission of The Public Spirit/Globe Times Chronicle