Locust Valley Central School District discusses special education programs

I think the ability to see children achieve things that maybe they didn’t think they could in the beginning, it’s touching.”

Kristen Turnow, superintendent, Locust Valley Central School District

In a recent Board of Education meeting held on January 31, the Locust Valley Central School District unveiled the findings of its comprehensive Special Education Policy Review. Led by Superintendent Kristen Turnow and Director of Pupil Personnel Effie Kyvelos, the presentation shed light on the district’s commitment to inclusivity, program efficacy, and fiscal responsibility.

Turnow emphasized the collaborative effort required to support students with disabilities, highlighting the district’s dedication to fostering an environment where every individual — from teachers to support staff — play an active role in nurturing student success.

“I think the ability to see children achieve things that maybe they didn’t think they could in the beginning, it’s touching,” Turnow said. “Working with their families and watching them make these successes is something that we really take pride in.”

The general student population in the district had a 99 percent graduation rate, but students with disabilities had an 80 percent graduation rate, a statistic the district is looking to improve. Addressing the changing demographics and economic landscape, Turnow underscored the need for adaptable programs to meet evolving student needs.

One striking statistic shared during the presentation was the increase in economically disadvantaged students, rising from 12 percent in 2014 to 22 percent in 2022. Turnow said that this demographic shift, coupled with a declining enrollment trend, necessitates a critical examination of existing programs to ensure equitable access and support for all students.

Key to the district’s approach is the concept of the least restrictive environment, a cornerstone of special education policy. Kyvelos outlined the continuum of services available to students, ranging from related services to home instruction. By offering a diverse array of options Locust Valley aims to empower students to thrive in environments that best suit their individual needs.

“In order to do this work, we have a continuum of services that we consider for students when we are providing services,” Kyvelos said. “I’d like to just say that it’s actually pretty commendable that we’re a district of the size that we are, and we are able to offer what do for our students.”

Kyvelos also provided insights into the district’s special education demographics, presenting data on enrollment, class placements, and disability categories. The district serves nearly 600 students with Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans, reflecting a commitment to addressing diverse learning needs. Trends analysis revealed a concerted effort to increase inclusion, with a notable decrease in students educated in separate schools over the past five years.

The presentation delved into staffing and financial considerations, showcasing the district’s investment in specialized personnel and resources. Over the past four years, Locust Valley has seen a steady increase in special education teachers, indicative of both program expansion and a commitment to maintaining appropriate student-to-teacher ratios. Financial analysis underscored the district’s prudent fiscal management, with expenditures aligning closely with staffing increases.

Central to the success of the Special Education Policy Review, which cost the district “a little over $17,000,” according to Turnow, was the engagement of external consultants, who brought decades of expertise in special education administration. Turnow emphasized her deliberate decision to maintain objectivity by limiting her involvement, allowing the consultants to conduct a thorough assessment independently.

The district’s comprehensive approach, which included quantitative and qualitative data collection, culminated in actionable recommendations to enhance the district’s special education programs.

“One thing that I knew was that if I was a part of this in any way, shape, or form, I could create bias,” Turnow said. “So the only thing I ever did was talk to them on the phone, and after they had their findings, they reported back not just to myself but to the committee what they found while they were here.”

Throughout the presentation, a clear narrative emerged — Locust Valley Central School District is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Turnow and Kyvelos emphasized that by embracing the principles of collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, the district remains steadfast in its mission to support the diverse needs of its student population.