Berlin Area School District (BASD) has the responsibility for implementing the IDEA requirements for parentally-placed private school students with disabilities in grades 4K through grade 12 who attend state-recognized private or parochial schools within BASD boundaries, regardless of their district of residency. BASD must provide for the equitable participation of private school students with disabilities. Like other public school districts, BASD must do this by spending a proportionate share of its federal IDEA funds on the provision of special education and related services to private school students with disabilities. Proportionate share calculations are based on the total number of children with disabilities attending public and private schools within the boundaries of BASD. Historically, special education and related services provided annually to private or parochial school students have exceeded the requirements of equitable participation.
For students who meet eligibility for an IEP, BASD is responsible for offering 3-year reevaluations and determining if any services will be offered to the private school via a Service Plan. It is not necessary to obtain written parental consent to share information between BASD public and BASD private or parochial schools related to a student’s Service Plan or IEP.
Special education services offered to any student in grades 4K-8 who meets eligibility for an IEP through a Service Plan:
- Speech/Language therapy
- Audiological consult and equipment
If the services the student received in their IEP are not within the array of services provided to students at private or parochial schools, BASD will discuss with the parent that no special education services will be provided by BASD in the private school. The student would be eligible to receive those services should they choose to enroll in the public school.
We believe that collaboration between BASD and the private or parochial schools in its boundary is essential to the success of our community. The IDEA Affirmation of Representatives of Private Schools is signed by the private school representative each year to document that BASD engaged in timely and meaningful consultation during the design and development of special education and related services.
If you believe your child, or a child in your private or parochial school, may meet WI Special Education Eligibility Criteria and need special education services, please contact Ann Schnyder at aschnyder@berlin.k12.wi.us or 920-361-2004.
For additional information about Special Education for Parentally Placed Private School Students, see the DPI page on this topic.
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