At the latest board meeting, Director of Special Education Kelly Byrd reported a significant increase in special education enrollment in Caldwell County schools compared to last year.
Byrd said the district now has 41 more special education students, calling it a notable rise for Caldwell County.
click to download audioShe also provided the board with a staffing update and discussed the funding process for special education programs.
click to download audioByrd noted that more than 50 evaluations have been completed so far this year.
click to download audioAccording to Byrd, the autism rate in the district has doubled in less than 10 years.
click to download audioByrd noted that the percentage of special education students in the district has risen from 10.8 percent in 2018-2019 to 14.8 percent this year. She added that this upward trend is occurring statewide, not just in Caldwell County.
She also updated the board on pre-school enrollment, noting that 120 students are currently attending.
click to download audioByrd concluded her report by announcing they have been granted $5,000 from the Early Childhood Council to help with resources related to screenings in the spring and summer. She said the funding will help provide preschool readiness kits and a book with school readiness tips for parents.
