Killeen ISD: Serving Those Who Serve

Continuity of Care in "The Great Place"

Killeen Independent School District (KISD) is uniquely defined by its relationship with Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). Serving over 43,000 students, a significant portion of whom are military-connected, KISD understands the rhythm of PCS (Permanent Change of Station) and deployment. However, for military families with special needs children, moving to a new duty station often feels like starting a war on a new front.

Will the new school honor the old IEP? What if the waitlists for ABA therapy are months long? Navigating an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting in Killeen requires not just knowledge of Texas law, but a deep understanding of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) and how it intersects with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) mandates.

The Autism Supplement & Military Moves

When you transfer into Killeen ISD with a child who has autism, the Texas Autism Supplement (TAC §89.1055(e)) becomes your roadmap for continuity. While your previous state may not have mandated these specific 11 strategies, Texas does.

Ensure that "Parent/Family Training" is included in the IEP. If you are new to Texas laws, this service can provide you with district-funded training to understand the local system. Review the Texas Evaluation Timeline to understand how transfer timelines work.

Strategies for Killeen ISD ARD Meetings

To advocate effectively as a military family in Killeen, use these tactical strategies:

1. Leverage the "30-Day Transfer" Rule

When you transfer into KISD with an active IEP from another state, the district must provide services comparable to those in the previous IEP for the first 30 school days. Do not let them strip services immediately. If your child had a 1:1 aide in Virginia, they should have support in Killeen while the district conducts its own evaluation (REED). If services are reduced immediately, that is a potential violation of MIC3 and IDEA.

2. Deployment & Regression (ESY)

Deployment of a parent is a major stressor that can cause academic and behavioral regression. If your child loses skills during a parent's absence, this is a strong argument for Extended School Year (ESY) services. The district must look at "recoupment" data—how long it takes your child to bounce back. Document everything during these periods.

3. Coordinate with EFMP

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) on Fort Cavazos is a resource, but the school district is a separate entity. However, you can invite your EFMP Systems Navigator or a School Liaison Officer (SLO) to the ARD meeting. Their presence often signals to the district that the military command is watching and invested in the outcome.

Need help articulating your transfer rights? Use our Texas ARD Meeting Script to prepare your opening statement.

Anchored in Killeen

From the Mounted Warrior Museum to the supportive networks of Harker Heights and Copperas Cove, this community is built on resilience. Your child has that same resilience, but they need the right scaffolding to succeed. The IEP is that scaffold.

Whether you are here for three years or forever, your child's education cannot be put on pause. By asserting your rights under MIC3 and Texas law, you ensure that "The Great Place" lives up to its name for your exceptional child.

How Navigator Kids AI Supports Military Families

We provide the continuity that military life often lacks.

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  Transfer Analysis: We compare your old IEP with the new Texas offer to identify gaps in "comparable services."
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  Documentation: We help you organize medical and educational records to speed up the FIE process.
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  Emotional Regulation: Transitions are hard on parents too. Use our De-Escalation Kit to stay grounded.