Attachment EC-B

Memo

To: Christina School District Board of Education

From: Robert A. Silber, Assistant Superintendent and CFO
CC: Richard Gregg, Superintendent
Date: January 25, 2019
Re: Statewide Autism Program

We received notification today, from Secretary Bunting, that “the personnel associated with the
state’s autism program are now a part of the DOE team”. Secretary Bunting provided a
directive letter addressed to the DOE, from the Director of OMB and the Controller General,
dated October 9, 2018.

The District began (as early as April 2018) conversation with the Department of Education,
including the Secretary, the Program Manager, and the Finance Department regarding
challenges associated with staffing the Statewide Office. We informed DOE of the retirement
of Dr. Winterling (both prior and subsequent to the event). We also raised concern regarding
hiring Training Specialists with no Statewide Director to supervise the positions. These
Training Specialists are new positions created through HB 292, which was codified into 14 Del.
C. §1332.

As you are aware, we entered into a contractual relationship with Dr. Winterling to provide
support during the search period. The leadership at DOE was active in the review of the scope
of work and at no time (through November 27) did the DOE inform the District of the change in
oversight responsibility.

The communication from OMB & the Controller General to Secretary Bunting cites 14 Del C.
§1332(b). This section, also modified by HB 292 states “The Department, with the approval of
the State Board of Education, shall designate a school district or other entity to administer the
statewide program for students with an educational classification of ASD. If no district or other
entity is willing to administer the statewide program, the Department must act in that role.”

The District did not convey to the Department of Education our unwillingness to administer the
statewide program. The action by OMB and the Controller specifically states “It has been
brought to our attention that the previous statewide autism program director established within
the Christina School District has retired, leaving the director position vacant. Because the
Christina School District indicated that filling the position and getting the pilot program
operational will require a substantial amount of time and effort, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1332(b),
the Department of Education must now act in the program administration role.”
 Attachment EC-B

As you are aware, the Statewide Director of Autism has responsibilities that extend beyond
these positions. The Office of Statewide Director also involves the Group Homes and the
Respite Program. At this time, we do not know how these programs may be impacted.

In accordance with the information we just received, we will begin working with the DOE
Director of Human Resources. We have not, at this time, communicated this information to the
employees who will be impacted by this change. We will begin this process, once we have
clarity of the transition plan with DOE.