UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: This story has been updated with a response to the investigation from the school district.
Wyoming’s top education official says her office is launching a system-wide investigation next month into a Rock Springs-based school district’s special education program.
The Wyoming Department of Education announced Wednesday that it is starting a “special monitoring process of special education practices and procedures” at Sweetwater County School District No. 1, slated for Feb. 23-27.
That’s after parents complained of a teacher’s nude photo accidentally being shown on a projector in a special education class, and following other complaints of subpar transparency and staff vacancies in the district.
“I give great deference to locally elected school district trustees when it comes to local district governance,” wrote Megan Degenfelder, the state superintendent of Public Instruction, in a statement released Wednesday. “However, there are times when the state must step in, and this is one of those times.”
Messages left for Sweetwater County School District 1 Superintendent Joseph Libby weren't responded to, but the district issued a statement about the investigation later Wednesday morning.
"The district looks forward to continuing to work with the Wyoming Department of Education and remains confident that it has fulfilled its obligtions to students, families and staff," the statement says.
"While the district disagrees with the characterization reflected in the Department's recent announcement, its focus remains on supporting students, staff, and the important work taking place in schools today," it adds. "The district is committed to moving forward in a constructive and collaborative manner to ensure the best outcomes for all students."
Complaints
Degenfelder said her office has received multiple formal and informal concerns and watched media reports on the district.
“It is my responsibility under the Wyoming Constitution, federal law, and other state laws to ensure special education services are delivered properly to the residents of this community and assist the school district in moving toward a successful resolution of the situation,” Degenfelder added.
Complaints, parent and staffers’ concerns, and public reports have yielded findings of noncompliance, the statement says.
The statement says the special monitoring will test five critical components of the district’s special education system: parental participation, individualized education plan implementation, maintaining the least restrictive environment, staff credentials and student privacy.
The process will include interviews with administrators, school board members and special education staff, the statement says, adding that community input is also vital to that review.
The department also will host parent and community listening sessions to hear people’s perspectives and experiences with the district’s special education services.
“The WDE remains committed to a collaborative approach, working alongside SCSD #1 leadership to resolve outstanding issues and achieve positive, long-term outcomes for Wyoming students and their families,” the statement concludes.
The district oversees multiple schools in Rock Springs, Wamsutter and Farson.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.
