Special Education Focus Group

Purpose(s):

• Provide IDEA - ARRA management
• Develop a long-range plan for special education in Bellingham
• Serve as an advisory group to the Director regarding special education issues

Basis for Establishment:

• Request of the Director

Decision Making:

• Consultative
• Delegated
• Direct

Plan:

• Provide management and oversight for use of IDEA-ARRA stimulus funds
• Ensure alignment of programs and practices with the deparment's belief statements
• Provide input and guidance regarding special eduation programs and services
• Represent constituents in decision-making
• Problem-solve issues relevant to special education in Bellingham

Qualifications:

• Appointed by Director
• Willingness to participate for a 2-year term

Members:

• Jennifer Brice (OT & PT, VI, & Autism)
• Sarah Catudio (Life Skills)
• Debora Haney (Early Childhood & Early Intervention)
• Jean conley (Elementary Resource)
• Pat Contor (Psychologist)
• Nicole Talley (General Education)
• Mary Lippiatt (HS Resource & Community Transitions)
• Heather Korbmacher (BRIDGES & Behavior)
• Karen Pauls (MS Resource)
• Melinda Nelson (Elementary Paraeducator)
• Vicky Williamson (Secondary Paraeducator)
• Emily Teeter (SLP & DHH)
• Missy Ferguson (Elementary Administrator)
• Michelle Abernathy (Secondary Administrator)
• Bethany Verner (Teacher on Special Assignment)
• Sue Thomas (Director)

Responsibilities:

• Regularly attend meetings
• Actively participate in discussions and activities at meetings
• Share the responsibility for taking notes at the meetings
• Participate in decision-making
• Solicit input from Representative groups
• Accurately represent the interests and issues of Representative groups
• Provide feedback to Representative groups

Timeline:

• 9/23/10   10/19/10   No mtg Nov   12/13/10   1/20/11   2/9/11   3/21/11   4/19/11   5/17/11   No mtg June

Budget Implications:

• Substitutes for participants
• Participate in decision-making that will have budget implications

Priority Task List

Questions or Comments:  Specialeducation@bellinghamschools.org