Director of Special Education

Being able to observe SMEC's state audit process yielded two key take-aways.  First, as federal and state funding formulas strive for equity, equity is a moving target.  As those formula's undergo frequent change, the demographics and needs of school districts vary as greatly as individual students in our classrooms.  

Second, an effective leader must always surround themselves with a team of individuals with expertise in different areas.  The best leaders accept and acknowledge their own knowledge deficits and gratefully lean in to those around them.

Special education rules and regulations are governed by FAPE and IDEA, monitored by federal and state departments of education, outlined for districts in the Total Special Education System (TSES) and for families in the Procedural Safeguards.  Beyond procedure, policy, timelines, and data collection, special education is first and foremost about people: not just the student, but the family.

Special education rules and regulations are governed by FAPE and IDEA, monitored by federal and state departments of education, outlined for districts in the Total Special Education System (TSES) and for families in the Procedural Safeguards.  Beyond procedure, policy, timelines, and data collection, special education is first and foremost about people: not just the student, but the family.