Based on an analysis of statewide data, the New Mexico Public Education Department has identified Taos Municipal School District as reporting unusually high rates of special education students and services.

Superintendent Rod Weston said there is always friction between the competing forces of finances and delivering appropriate services for students with special needs.

What may have been the red flag for PED was the adding of four new preschool students in need of special education and services based on their Individualized Educational Plan.

Weston said Exceptional Programs Coordinator Madalyn Marmul has answered all the follow-up questions the department has asked and he said he doesn’t really see that there will be a problem.

According to the PED release, the department expects that many of the districts under review will be cleared from the audit quickly. Initial reports are expected to be released as early as April 27.