Even more interesting is that yesterday, a private agency that provides Applied Behavior Analysis support services in the district AT NO COST to the district (it is paid for by a family's insurance or out-of-pocket) was told they were no longer welcome in the schools. ASD is losing staff, they hired close to 50 "teacher consultants" and more admin at the district building. They endorse news reports about how devastating it is that the budget is hurting children and young teachers and now, is banning private support services that have operated in conjunction with school staff and IEP teams to support students with Autism for years at ZERO district/taxpayer expense. ASD, despite it's many wonderful employees, has a track record of making decisions based on office politics. For the students and teachers, I really hope this isn't yet another example of giving too much power to too few people without transparency and oversight. ASD should be the example of sound and prudent decision making!