Wood Co, WV: Overall enrollment down, SPED increasing; greatest growth- students with autism,
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Parkersburg, WV
Wood County Schools could turn to contracted teachers to fill seven autism education vacancies as the district continues to see growth in the number of students requiring special education services.
Special Education Director Valissa Porter told the Wood County Board of Education on Tuesday that the district's overall enrollment declined from 2023 through 2025 while its special education enrollment increased. The greatest growth occurred among students identified with autism, other health impairments, and developmental delays.
Since the district completed a student count in December, an additional 142 students have qualified for individualized education programs, or IEPs, Porter said. Another 63 students already receiving special education services were found to need additional support.
"We want to make sure that we have certified teachers in front of them that are there every day, meeting the needs of our students," Porter said.
The district has seven vacancies for teachers certified in autism. Porter said teachers may transfer out because of the workload associated with IEPs, challenging student behaviors and cameras required in self-contained classrooms.
The district could continue using long-term substitutes or use an existing staffing contract to recruit certified autism teachers. The contractor has identified five potential applicants, Porter said, but they could accept other jobs if the district does not move quickly. . . .
