Rockbridge
Pilot Program For Additional Support Planned
The Rockbridge County School Board unanimously approved its annual special education plan April 14, including a targeted pilot program aimed at reducing outof- division placements for some students.
The plan includes participation in Coordinated Comprehensive Early Intervening Services (CCEIS), which requires the division to set aside 15% of its special education funding due to disproportionate placement data.
As part of the plan, the division will pilot a new support model at Natural Bridge Elementary School beginning in the fall. The program will serve an initial group of 18 students identified as needing additional behavioral and academic support.
The model will include a dedicated resource space designed as a “hub” where students can receive support, de-escalate, or work through challenges without being removed from their home school. Officials said the goal is to keep students in their community schools while minimizing disruptions to other classrooms.
School leaders described the initiative as a potential pilot that could expand to other elementary schools if successful. The division will begin planning over the summer ahead of a fall launch.
Funding for the program will continue on a year-to-year basis through the CCEIS grant, which remains in place until the division meets state benchmarks for three consecutive years.
