BCS Considers Leaving Delaware-Blackford Special Education Cooperative

From the Blackford County Schools Board meeting on May 19, 2026

Blackford County Schools is considering withdrawing from the Delaware-Blackford Special Education Cooperative, a partnership of more than 30 years based out of Muncie Community Schools, to join a new interlocal cooperative with other area districts.

The superintendent told the board that the current cooperative's director serves in a dual role, running the co-op as a secondary responsibility alongside duties at Muncie Community Schools. BCS and partner districts want a full-time director whose first priority is the cooperative.

Cost pressures are also a factor. Two years ago, the cooperative could not find an occupational therapist, forcing BCS to independently contract for one. The district spent $61,000 that year and is on pace to spend $140,000 this year for the same number of students.

A group of superintendents is working with the law firm Church Church Hittle & Antrim to draft a new interlocal agreement. If the board approves withdrawal at its June meeting, a one-year notice must be submitted by July 1. The withdrawal would take effect July 1, 2027, with the new cooperative built during the transition year.

The superintendent acknowledged that staffing shortages in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are an industry-wide challenge, as school pay is less competitive than clinical and hospital settings.

Source: YouTube transcript — BCS School Board Meeting, May 19, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.