Tioga, ND: "Sharp increase in pre-K students with SPED needs"; "non-verbal" "more complex needs"

Aug 21, 2026, Williston Herald: Tioga board approves two special education aides - Local news, weather and sports from Williston, North Dakota

TIOGA — A sharp increase in the number of pre-K students with special education needs at Central Elementary is leaving the school district looking for aides.

During a meeting Tuesday morning, elementary principal Tim Schaffer told the Tioga Public School Board that the number of pre-K students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) has roughly doubled from about five or six students in previous years to around 10 this year.

“Now we have to have two sessions,” Schaffer said. “Ten in the morning is too much … We’re looking for a few more aides to help in there.”

Some of the new students, particularly those under age four who are nonverbal and have more complex needs, will require additional support in the classroom, he added.

Schaffer said he knows it will be tough to find special education aides. Since the position was first advertised, there have been no applicants, he said.

The agenda originally listed discussion of one additional special education aide for the elementary school. However, the board ultimately approved two additional aides.

Superintendent Paul Olson also noted a case involving a preschool student who lives outside of town and whose family does not have transportation.

“We’re going to end up having to transport, and it looks like we’re going to need an aide on that bus,” Olson said. Schaffer did not think he could spare an aide for the bus, Olson added. “I thought it was best to come and make sure I asked for two while we’re at it.”