Jacksonville District Weighs Exit From Four Rivers Special Education

Jacksonville School District 117 officials brought the possibility of leaving the Four Rivers Special Education District to the school board during a November 21 meeting, after the cooperative proposed a governance restructure that would replace its smaller operating board with a board made up of one superintendent from each of the 19 member districts. The change would reduce JSD 117s voting power, a significant shift because Jacksonville students represent roughly 25 percent of Four Rivers enrollment.

Board President Noel Beard and Superintendent Steve Ptacek told the school board they recognize arguments on both sides, and they expressed concern that the proposed reorganization could prompt the district to consider providing special education services independently. The district has not reached a decision, and officials indicated that any move toward withdrawal would hinge on a careful study of fiscal feasibility and service continuity.

Four Rivers is a cooperative that pools resources and expertise across 19 area districts to deliver special education programming. Under the current arrangement a smaller operating board oversees daily decisions and governance. Supporters of the proposed superintendent board argue it would broaden direct oversight by each member district. Opponents counter that attendance at Four Rivers meetings by superintendents has been uneven, which they say would undermine the effectiveness of a larger supervisory body.

The discussion has implications beyond governance. For families of students with disabilities, continuity of services, stability of staffing, and access to specialized therapies are immediate concerns. Changes to the cooperative could require Jacksonville to evaluate costs for hiring specialists, contracting for services, and providing transportation and therapy in district. Those fiscal calculations will also affect taxpayers and could influence program choices in other Morgan County districts if Four Rivers experiences membership changes.

Public health and equity considerations are central to the debate. Special education services intersect with health related supports such as speech therapy, behavioral services, and nursing care. Disruption in coordinated services could disproportionately affect low income families who lack resources to secure private alternatives, and smaller districts could face capacity strains if responsibilities shift.

The issue remains an open and ongoing discussion at the local level. Jacksonville school leaders emphasized that no final withdrawal decision has been made and that any action would follow detailed analysis of costs and the districts ability to maintain or improve services for students. Reporting on the matter was previously filed by Bridgette Fox on November 21, 2025.