BOWLING GREEN R-I EARNS PERFECT SCORE IN 2026 SPECIAL EDUCATION REVIEW

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — The Bowling Green R-I School District is celebrating a perfect score in its 2026 special education performance review, receiving the highest designation available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.

According to the district, Bowling Green R-I received a 4.0 out of 4.0 and was designated as “Meets the Requirements and Purposes of the IDEA” by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The district reported earning perfect scores in each performance area examined, including special education audit and financial compliance, graduation and dropout rates, assessment participation and proficiency, evaluation timelines, and postsecondary transition planning.

IDEA is the federal law governing special education services for eligible students. Missouri DESE's Office of Special Education monitors implementation of IDEA by local school districts and oversees compliance with state and federal special education requirements.

At the federal level, “Meets the Requirements and Purposes of IDEA” is the highest of four IDEA determination categories. The others are “Needs Assistance,” “Needs Intervention” and “Needs Substantial Intervention.” Missouri as a state also received the top “Meets Requirements” determination for IDEA Part B in the U.S. Department of Education's 2026 review.

Bowling Green R-I credited Special Education Director Dr. Malinka Buchanan, along with the district's teachers and support staff, for the performance.

The district said the results reflect its work to ensure students receiving special education services are supported academically while the district meets federal and state requirements.