The Whitehall City Schools Director of Special Services will be holding a public hearing as part of the September 14, 2023, Board of Education meeting to discuss the District’s Federal Special Education programs with the public.

Each year, public comments are sought regarding the proposed programs and budgets for the use of Federal funds, including IDEA-B-Special Education. These Federal dollars are used to provide services, staffing, equipment, and materials to serve students with disabilities.

In accordance with federal law, the Whitehall City Schools is committed to the location, identification, and provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children between the ages of 3 and 21 having a disability and residing within our school district. Approximately 14% of students in the Whitehall City Schools are identified with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004) and provided special education services.

The structure and delivery of all special education programs is provided in accordance with Ohio’s Operating Standards for Children with Disabilities and the Ohio Special Education Model Policies and Procedures. 

 

A continuum of specialized instruction and services are provided for eligible students through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in a variety of settings, with the goal of instructing each child in the least restrictive environment. These settings include itinerant and inclusive preschool for children ages 3-5,  inclusion and co-teaching in general education classrooms, tutoring rooms, resource rooms, and self-contained classrooms for students with low incidence disabilities for students grades K-12. Students are served within the district’s schools, as well as at specialized programs located throughout Central Ohio.  For students placed in specialized community programs by the school district, transportation and all fees associated with the program are provided by Whitehall City Schools.