The Southeast Polk Community School District held a meeting on August 8, 2025, to discuss the newly developed special education service delivery plan, a requirement from the Iowa Department of Education. The presentation was led by Leah Morris, who outlined the comprehensive process undertaken by a committee of 21 members, including parents, teachers, and administrators, to address key questions regarding service provision, caseload determination, and evaluation of effectiveness.

The committee met from January to May, focusing on how services would be delivered to eligible students, how teacher caseloads would be determined, and how to resolve any concerns regarding these caseloads. Notably, the district has seen a significant increase in both overall enrollment and the number of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with a 10% rise in total enrollment and a 24% increase in eligible students over the past five years.

Morris highlighted that the district's proficiency rates for students with IEPs in English Language Arts (ELA) and math are competitive with similar districts, averaging 24% and 32% respectively. The committee's research emphasized the importance of results-driven approaches, prevention strategies, and prioritizing general education, aligning with the belief that all students can learn at high levels.

The plan includes a detailed continuum of services tailored for different educational levels, from preschool to secondary education, and outlines a simplified process for determining teacher caseloads using a weighted matrix. Additionally, the plan emphasizes collaboration between special education and general education teachers to ensure that accommodations for students are effectively communicated and implemented.

During the meeting, board members expressed confidence in the leadership of the special education department and the collaborative efforts to engage parents in the IEP process. The district reported a high attendance rate at IEP meetings, with efforts made to accommodate parents through virtual options when necessary.

In conclusion, the Southeast Polk Community School District's special education service delivery plan aims to enhance educational outcomes for students with special needs while fostering a collaborative environment among educators and parents. The plan is set to be actively implemented and monitored to ensure its effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of students.