By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff WriterThe need for immediate expansion within the Warren County R-III School District’s special education program was brought before the board during its monthly meeting Dec. 10.A request for two additional special education teachers to serve the remainder of the 2015-16 school year was made after the number of special needs students exceeded the state allowance in two of the district’s buildings.Assistant Superintendent of Cirriculum Dr. Jill Schowe says the state sets both a desired and maximum number of students that should be served by one special education teacher.“It’s not that we had that many students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) move in, but more students are qualifying for testing,” explained Schowe.For kindergarten through second grade, the desired number is 40, while the state maximum is 50. Rebecca Boone currently has 55 students served by one teacher, putting it significantly over the limit.The state sets a desired number at 45 for third through fifth grade, with the maximum at 55. Daniel Boone Elementary is considerably over that mark with 71 students classified as special needs.Schowe says this change is more a product of increased awareness rather than a decline in learning ability.“We are becoming more aware of the needs and deficits in learning,” she said. “The standards are getting progressively more difficult for students to meet.”In regard to why the original number of special education teachers at the beginning of the school year didn’t accurately balance with the special needs student population, Schowe says those numbers aren’t always initially clear.“With the RTI (Response-to-Intervention) model, we have to collect six weeks of data and try different interventions,” she said. “If that still doesn’t work, then we have to go into the testing process.”The interview process for the two new temporary positions took place this week, with the anticipated approval of those hirings being at the next board meeting Jan. 14.“The new teachers will cover the deficits in both of those schools, so we can better serve the students needs and prevent anyone from falling behind,” said Schowe, adding the ultimate goal is to help the students become independent enough that they no longer need special service.“We want to see them be successful in the traditional academic setting,” she said.The cost of adding the two new employees will be $56,502.11, with each teacher earning $20,065.94 before benefits. The need for the change in number of positions will be reassessed prior to the 2016-17 school year.Warren Co. R-III School District