The Oconto Falls School District in Wisconsin has made the difficult decision to set its special education open enrollment capacity to zero for the 2026-2027 school year. This move is a result of staffing constraints, which have left the district unable to accommodate new referrals beyond its current capacity. Instead, students requiring special education services will be served by their resident districts.
The district’s special education director conducted a thorough capacity analysis, taking into account the maximum caseloads and current staffing levels. The analysis revealed that projected needs for both current and incoming students either meet or exceed the district’s practical capacity.
The district has seen a recent increase in transfer students, many of whom have higher levels of need. Meanwhile, fewer students have transferred out, adding strain to the existing staff resources. As a result, the district cannot responsibly add open-enrolled special education students without risking its ability to serve current residents at appropriate levels.
The district’s decision to set special education open enrollment capacity to zero is a difficult but necessary step to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services to our current students.
"Families who open enroll into Oconto Falls and later are identified as needing special education will still be evaluated. However, if services would exceed capacity, those students would need to receive special education through their resident districts. This decision underscores both the strength and the pressure on Oconto Falls’ special education programs.
Special Education Capacity: Set to zero for 2026-2027 due to staffing constraints
Staffing Challenges: Increasing demand and limited staff resources
Implications for Families: Students may need to receive services from resident districts
Administrators will continue to monitor caseloads, staffing, and referral trends as they plan for future years. The district remains committed to providing high-quality special education services to its students, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
While this decision presents challenges, it also highlights the district’s commitment to providing high-quality special education services. By prioritizing the needs of its current students and working closely with resident districts, Oconto Falls School District demonstrates its dedication to supporting all learners. Learn more about how you can support your child’s educational journey.
