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
Julie Gordon, Compliance, Technical Assistance & Kingsley Services Supervisor 231.922.6233
Leigh Kennedy, Coordinator of Curriculum 231.922.6393
Matt Koekkoek, Behavior Team Supervisor 231.922.6462
Service Area Supervisors
John Breithaupt - 231.922.6466 (TCAPS, ACE, Transition Central)
Kristen Deering - 231.922.6474 (TCAPS)
Becky Goodwin - 231.922.6467 (Northeast service area)
Julie Gordon - 231.922.6233 (Kingsley area and Compliance Supervisor)
Mike Hartman - 231.922.6485 (Kalkaska, Crawford, Forest Area, Woodland, GTA)
Matt Koekkoek - 231.922.6462 (Southwest service area and Behavior Support Team)
Jennifer Morgenstern - 231-922-6566 (TCAPS, Non-public schools)
MartyAnn Guiney - 231.922.6470 (Northwest service area, HI, VI, Interpreters, O&M, Assistive Technology)
Center-based Program Supervisors
Rena Spencer, Life Skills Center and GTI 231.922.6357
Lisa Klepper, New Campus School 231.922.6485
Riley Denison , Programs for Students with Cognitive Impairments 231.933.5685
Marc Wills, Programs for Students with Autism 231.933.5682
