Student Services The Office of Student Services provides a wide array of support to students in general education as well as students with educational disabilities. The Office of Student Services partners with all other departments to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and physical needs. In conjunction with schools throughout the district, the Office also focuses on the continued development of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), with a specific focus on social and emotional wellbeing. The Special Education Department is part of the Office of Student Services. Those with educational disabilities may receive additional services and support via an Individual Education Program (IEP). This Department ensures the provision of specially designed instruction and related services, as mandated by state and federal regulations. Special Education in Newton Public Schools consists of a wide continuum of services and programs that are rooted in research-based practices, meaningful inclusive opportunities, and focused on access to general education and skill building. The Department’s organizational structure with aligned leadership creates clear systems and aligned practices at each level which promotes sharing of best practices in service of providing a meaningful educational experience for students with educational disabilities. For the 2025-2026 school year, there are currently 2,197 students with IEPs from Preschool to post-graduate programming which includes 126 out-of-district placements and agreements plus one extended evaluation as of March 2026 . In reviewing known FY27 student needs and needs based on historical enrollment patterns, the budget includes costs for teachers, related service providers, and other staff to deliver services and supports required by IEPs and students supported by 504 Plans. At the preschool level, of 17 classroom spaces in the new NECP school building, 13 classrooms are currently being used to support preschool aged students. The Early Intervention Program will continue to refer students who are aging out of their program and who will likely qualify for special education services. Taking into consideration known acceptances and enrollment/referral trends, NECP is predicted to possibly need an additional classroom in FY27 to meet the needs of students who require special education services. NECP requires adequate staffing of related service providers, special education teachers, and support staff to meet the needs of both paying community peers and those requiring special education services. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) The Office of Student Services also guides the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) work in the district. Responsive to the diversity and needs of our students, the SEL work supports the district’s mission to achieve school cultures that promote academic achievement through social and emotional competence and well-being. Supporting the development of students’ social and emotional competence is one of the foundation blocks of NPS, inextricably tied to academic success. Newton’s SEL approach fosters resilience, responsibility, supportive relationships, and reflection. It provides opportunities for all students to develop and practice important social and emotional learning competencies. Recognizing continued heightened students’ mental health needs, there are no planned reductions in SEL staffing.
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