With the upcoming Special Education Millage Renewal election on May 4, three WSESD administrators have been active in getting the word out to the community.
"I'm grateful school boards, Rotary Clubs, the United Way, and so many community groups have invited us in to share the facts about the renewal," said WSESD Superintendent Jason Jeffrey. "Everyone has been very positive and affirming."
Kim Tiel, WSESD Asst. Supt. of Special Education, agreed. "Whether a group presentation has been on Zoom or in-person, we heard time and time again how everyone wants every child to have the opportunity to be a successful learner," Tiel said. "I couldn't be more pleased with this commitment."
"Clearly, the partnership the WSESD has with our local districts to deliver Special Education programs and services to students with disabilities works well," noted Supt. Jeffrey. "We have a strong professional staff and we're blessed to have strong leadership and incredible teachers and staff in every district, too. This makes good things happen for kids in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties."
Beyond programs and services, the WSESD and local students are partners in how Special Education Millage funds are used.
The Special Education Millage Renewal proposal is the same 1 mill / 8 year levy that was approved in 1990 and renewed in 1998, 2006, and 2014. It raises $3.4 million annually to maintain programs and services to more than 1400 students with disabilities in our area.
Nearly half of the millage funds are used by the WSESD to directly reimburse our local school districts for a portion of their Special Education costs. Reimbursements to our 9 local public school districts have totaled more than $13 million over the last 8 years.
"We've been proud to partner with every local district in our region to help students with disabilities get the support they need," said Kerri Harrie, WSESD Asst. Supt. for Business Services. "All we ask is that people give our renewal request their consideration and remember to vote on May 4."
More information can be found at the May 4 for Special Education info-link below.
(Photo L-R: Kim Tiel, Jason Jeffrey, and Kerri Harrie)