With co-chair Leah Mulhearn presiding, the Educational Affairs Committee convened on Zoom for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15. CSD Director of Special Education Dr. Beverly Gallagher made a presentation focused on providing the full continuum of autistic support in the Cheltenham School District. General information about autism and the continuum of special education services was reviewed. The rationale for increasing autistic support services in the district was shared, along with planning for this transition to include staffing needs. Dr. Gallagher provided information outlining finances with a cost comparison, which led CSD Interim Business Manager Chuck Linderman’s presentation of special education finances.

Mr. Linderman reviewed a presentation on special education data analytics using Forecast5. The presentation identified similar school districts in the Suburban Philadelphia area for comparison purposes. Enrollment information was reviewed as it relates to special education students and the different categories, along with a comparison of staffing among the identified peer set.  Then a review of expenditures and revenues relating to special education over the past several years was shared. The board had many follow-up questions which will be answered in the upcoming months. Video>