Board presentations include updates on Student Support Services, Transportation and Medicaid

Two presentations at the Sept. 16 Board of Education meeting focused on continued efforts to strengthen student supports across the district while maintaining efficient district operations.

Independent Review of Transportation and Medicaid Reimbursements

The first presentation summarized an independent review of the district’s Medicaid reimbursement program and school transportation operations. The review found that Bethlehem’s transportation system is highly efficient and cost-effective. Opportunities for maximizing Medicaid reimbursement were also highlighted in the presentation by Alliance Education Associates (AEA).

Highlights of the presentation can be found below.

BCSD Transportation

Transportation spending has averaged about 5.72% of the district’s overall budget over the past three years, a level considered highly cost-effective. For districts with similar demographics, New York state considers a ratio of 7.5% to be cost-effective, and a ratio below 6% to be highly cost-effective.
The district operates a total of 126 vehicles, including buses, vans and SUVs, and provides transportation to seven district schools and 15 out-of-district locations across approximately 380 square miles. Specialized transportation is currently being provided to approximately 257 students, whose programs are located both within and outside the district.
The transportation review identified an ongoing shortage of bus drivers, substitute drivers and mechanics as the primary operational challenge for the district.

Medicaid reimbursement

Medicaid revenue has increased significantly over the past five years, from approximately $76,000 to $195,000, and the district is receiving nearly 100% of the reimbursement it submits.
The report estimated that the district’s potential Medicaid reimbursement was $364,000, suggesting additional revenue may be available if all eligible services and required documentation were in place. Missing parental authorizations, prescriptions and session notes currently limit reimbursement.
AEA recommended incorporating Medicaid authorization into the special education intake process, strengthening documentation practices and ensuring eligible providers are Medicaid-certified.

Student Support Services Update

Student Support Services department leaders described a district moving to an “all means all” model of student support. Special education and interventions are becoming less siloed as teachers, administrators and staff work to ensure all students have access to the appropriate level of support, whether or not they have an IEP.

The presentation highlighted a continued focus on inclusive practices, greater shared responsibility for all students across the district, and consistent access to intervention supports for students and families.

They described recent improvements, including investments in reading intervention and instructional coaches and more consistent application of the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is designed to help all students by providing increasingly intensive levels of academic, behavioral and social-emotional support based on a student’s individual needs.

The district is strengthening professional development districtwide to ensure, instructional coaching, reading support, Special Education collaboration and transition practices to help students successfully move between programs and schools.

The staff presentation follows an in-depth review of Special Education instructional programs and supports, related services and out-of-district placements, presented in August by Alliance Education Associates (AEA), an independent consultant.