Special Education
Federal law and state administrative rules outline a public school’s obligation to meet the needs of students ages birth through 26 years who are eligible for special education. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) outline the needs, accommodations, goals, and services for that constitute a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for each eligible student.
Approximately 3,500 students with IEPs are served by Northwest Education Services and the 16 public school districts, 4 public school academies, and 12 nonpublic schools in the region. Local districts provide a variety of consultative and classroom services. North Ed provides assessment, specialized consultation and direct services, and center-based programming in a variety of settings to enhance student growth and facilitate the transition to postsecondary opportunities. Additionally, the ISD provides support to parents, professional development, and guidance to local districts to ensure that students with IEPs have every opportunity to succeed.
Special Education Supervisors
Department Supervisors & Coordinators
Julie Gordon - Supervisor of Continuous Improvement & General Supervision
Leigh Kennedy - Coordinator of Curriculum
MartyAnn Guiney - Systems Improvement & Transportation
Service Area Supervisors
Amy Branco - Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS)
Kristen Deering - TCAPS, Adult Community Experience (ACE), Community Connection
Rena Spencer (interim) - Northeast Region/Service Area (Bellaire, Mancelona, North Central PSA, Alba, Elk Rapids), Woodland School
Mike Hartman - Southeast Region/Service Area (Kalkaska, Crawford, Forest Area, Kingsley)
Brooke Laurent - Southwest Region/Service Area ( Benzie, Frankfort, Buckley), Behavior Support Team, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultants Team
Kerri Ferris - TCAPS, non-public schools w/in TCAPS Region
Jill Vigenski - Northwest Region/Service Area (Benzie, Frankfort, Buckley), Grand Traverse Academy
Julie Gordon - The Greenspire School
Center-based Program Supervisors
John Breithaupt - Life Skills Center
Lisa Klepper - Creekside School
Riley Denison - New Horizons
Becky Goodwin - Bridgeway
