Education
Concerns raised with program in Hays CISD Nine Hays CISD special education teachers, paraprofessionals and parents shared concerns at Sept. 16 and Sept. 24 board meetings regarding the district’s Foundational Learning classes, citing large class sizes, safety issues and potential Individualized Education Program plan violations. Some context Special Education Executive Officer Michelle Velasquez and Special Education Director Melissa Corona said Foundational Learning students have significant cognitive needs and require specialized curriculum and instructional support. Foundational Learning Structured classrooms provide more rigid structure for students who need it. However, FLS shifted solely to FL during the 2024-25 school year. Velasquez said this was attributed to a “title change” and does not equate to a change in services.
FBI investigates false threat at SMHS More than 80 law enforcement officers from San Marcos and other jurisdictions responded to a call for a threat at San Marcos High School on Sept. 24—which was deemed non-credible and is now being investigated by the FBI. What happened San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge said the phone threat came from a “swat- ting” incident, which is the tactic of making hoax emergency calls. “We learned that number was involved in two [other] incidents, one in Hunt County, Texas, and one in Kent County, Michigan,” Standridge said. SMCISD Superintendent Michael Cardona said students will have access to counseling services on campus.
Students receiving special services
2022-23
2023-24 *2024-25
200 150 100 50 0
Elementary Middle school High school
*NUMBERS REFLECT STUDENTS RECEIVING FL SERVICES ONLY. SOURCE: HAYS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Special education parent Lorraine Patterson said the change has been challenging. “This abrupt change in transition away from a structured class has unfortunately resulted in our [daughter] causing numerous injuries to multiple staff, students and herself,” Patterson said. What’s being done Velasquez and Corona said FL teachers have asked for changes including an increase in the special education stipend, appropriate classroom space and regular substitutes.
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