Committees & Advisory Groups

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 education 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

Meeting Notes