South Range Local Schools will hire an additional intervention specialist after parents criticized the district’s decision to limit open enrollment for some students with individualized education programs.

The district announced the hiring on Thursday, following a March meeting where parents expressed concerns about the changes, which affect 7th and 8th-grade students. Parents argued the decision was unfair and disruptive to their children’s education.

The district had cited capacity and resource constraints as reasons for limiting open enrollment for students with IEPs. Superintendent Jarred Zapolnik said the district was following state mandates.

“Every decision we make at South Range is grounded in one guiding principle: what is in the best interest of our students,” Zapolnik said in a statement. “Over the past weeks, I have listened closely to the heartfelt concerns of our community. Adding this position reflects our commitment to understanding and addressing those concerns, supporting all of our learners, and enabling every child to grow and thrive.”

The district said the new intervention specialist will help accommodate the increasing number of students needing IEPs, both resident and open-enrolled.

District officials also emphasized their commitment to fiscal responsibility and open communication with the community.

The open enrollment changes are scheduled to take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.