By Kris Leonhardt
MMC Senior Editor
GREEN BAY – At a recent meeting on January 13, the Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) Board discussed a pressing issue. David Johns, the Associate Superintendent, along with Jacqueline Hauser, the Director of Special Education, suggested closing seats for students enrolling in special education.
Hauser explained the challenges: “We assess our staffing needs based on the services we provide. Each school level—elementary, middle, and high—has different requirements.” She emphasized that currently, they are fully staffed for the students residing within the Green Bay district.
The shortage of special education staff is a significant issue. “Finding qualified teachers for special education is tough,” Hauser said. Accepting more out-of-district students would require hiring additional staff, which is challenging right now. GBAPS requires teachers for cross-categorical education, vision impairment, and deaf and hard-of-hearing services, among others.
Currently, the district contracts with outside agencies for some services. This includes hiring four to five speech and language pathologists and educational interpreters. However, these contracts often come at a higher cost than employing in-house staff.
Hauser shared that their capacities are already stretched. A memo indicated that the elementary school can serve 670 students, but the projected number for 2025-26 is 717. Middle schools have a capacity of 372, with an expected enrollment of 548, while high schools can accommodate 462, but the projected enrollment is 633.
Hauser reassured the board that they are doing everything possible to support in-district students, but resources are dwindling. Currently, about 14-16% of students qualify for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a number that has remained steady.
She noted that other districts in Brown County face similar challenges. “Most are also closed to new enrollments,” she said. This reality underscores the broader staffing crisis affecting special education across the region. Hauser concluded by sharing that even their current service providers are reaching their limits, making it difficult to find additional help.
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GBAPS, special education, open enrollment
Education
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