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SD43 audit shows improvement needed

More than $100,000 will have to be paid back to the province, but SD43 told it does a good job handling files of special needs students overall
Special education audit
A report presented to trustees Tuesday noted that there were nine errors resulting in $104,200 being paid back but the problem was blamed on a change to the new MyEdBC computer system rather than errors by the district.

School District 43 will have to do a better job of tracking students diagnosed with mental illnesses and making sure service records for special needs students are contained in their files.

The recommendations were made by auditors who checked School District 43 files to make sure special needs students — including those with diagnosed autism, physical impairments or behaviour issues — receive the proper funding.

A report presented to trustees Tuesday noted that there were nine errors resulting in $104,200 being paid back but the problem was blamed on a change to the new MyEdBC computer system rather than errors by the district.

SD43 also got some kudos from auditors, who appreciated the orderliness of files, the detailed plans for supports for students, and efforts to get reluctant students with behaviour issues to attend school.

But SD43 could do better to make sure a diagnosis, especially for mental health problems, and service records are contained in student files and recommended standardization of planning tools so they match details in independent education plans.

The audit results are now being discussed by staff to see how they can be incorporated, the report states.

Extra funding for special needs supports ranges from $9,500 per student for those with behaviour issues or serious mental illness to $37,700 for students who are physically dependent, deaf or