Eanes schools pull out of special-ed data mining

District officials want to reassess after concerns aired about SPEDx deal.

As special education advocates continue to spar with state leaders over a $4.4 million, no-bid contract to data-mine student records, one school district has decided to walk away from the project — at least for now.

The Eanes Independent School District told the Texas Education Agency on Wednesday that it wants time to re-evaluate its part in the project, which has generated controversy over privacy concerns and whether the company is the best choice to analyze special education records.

“Given the concerns raised by various stakeholder groups, Eanes ISD feels it is in the district’s best interest to stop and take the time to consider next steps,” Eanes spokeswoman Claudia McWhorter said. “We want to ensure the district has adequate and updated information in order to make an informed decision and to be transparent with our school district community.”

Earlier this year, the TEA signed a contract with Georgia-based SPEDx to analyze up to 350,000 individualized education plans, which detail services provided to students with special needs. Those plans include confidential information such as medical conditions, psychiatric care, family history and academic performance. In return, districts were to receive $10,000 to $100,000 in federal money for their participation. About 170 districts across the state have signed up.

The Austin school district is not participating.

Parents of special education students say they were not notified that the plans were being