At the Porter County Education Services (PCES) Board meeting on
December 6, Porter County area superintendents voted to restructure services to students who benefit from special education programming. Specifically, each member district, including Valparaiso Community Schools, will be able to employ their own building-based special education teachers and paraprofessionals beginning in the 2023-2024 school year.
“We have always considered these valued professionals part of the VCS team, but we are thrilled to formally welcome them to Valparaiso Community Schools,” said VCS Superintendent Dr. Jim McCall.
Known as an 'Inter-Local' partnership or coalition, PCES has supported VCS along with Duneland, Portage, Union Township, East Porter Township, Boone Township, and Porter Township to provide both Special Education and Career & Technical Education. The change in employment will allow member districts to directly recruit, develop, and retain its building-based teachers and paraprofessionals. “The consistency will produce an enriched
team atmosphere as well as a streamlined communication channel for parents and staff,” McCall explained.
VCS will continue to partner with PCES through the delivery of shared services such as speech & language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, Pre-K and S.E.L.F. as well as the entire catalog of Career and Technical Education courses.