FY 2022 Educational Facilities Master Plan

Several of these programs mandate strict adherence to established laws and guidelines. For example, special education laws require that students be educated in the least restrictive environment (reference COMAR 13a.05 Special Instructional Programs). Due to some of the acute needs in this student population and in order to comply with the requirements of LRE, this program is expected to grow over the next several years. The unrestricted budget for this program is proposed at approximately $18.8 million, representing 8.8% of the entire WCPS proposed General Fund budget for FY 2022. In addition to the programs noted above there are often support personnel who need an office or pull-out space depending on where they are based and how often they provide services in the school. The following is a general list of instructional support programs that are currently a part of WCPS:

• C.A.R.E.S. / Conflict Resolution • Community Partnership Services • Student Advisors • Home School Liaisons • Social Workers • Parenting Programs • Professional Development Coaches • New Teacher Coaches • Student and Family Health Programs • Various Grants and Programs • Speech Language Pathologist • OT/PT

DIVERSITY WCPS has a fairly diverse student population as shown in Figure 1 on the next page. With major employers, such as the Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), Salisbury University, Perdue Farms and various electronic manufacturing businesses who are often either conducting business or recruiting experienced personnel not only nationally, but internationally; we anticipate that our student population will continue to diversify. We continue to see an increase in the number of students designated as ELL over the course of the past few years. This is important to note, as we continue to expand our technology capabilities to assist in creating a more global learning environment. Currently, 67.07% of our student population is eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) program in the 2020-2021 school year (as shown in Figure 2 on the next page). We also have a 10.8% special education population; this includes any type of student who receives special education services. In addition, 30% of our students have some type of chronic health condition, such as ADHD, diabetes, asthma, etc.

Wicomico County Public Schools Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2022

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