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Special Education

Message from the Department

Dear Parents,

The North Schuylkill School District is committed to the success of every child. The Special Education Department strives to ensure that each student leaves school each day feeling successful. We accomplish this by providing individualized supports, offering a continuum of service-delivery options, facilitating academic and social development, and maintaining the dignity and respect of every student.

A collaborative effort among parents, support staff, and general education teachers is essential to fostering the independence and success of each student. If you have questions regarding your child or special education services, please contact your child’s teacher or the appropriate special education administrator. Mrs. Reese is located at the Elementary School, and Mr. Brayford is located at the Junior/Senior High School.

The North Schuylkill School District’s Special Education Department offers a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. These services include, but are not limited to, Autistic Support, Emotional Support, Learning Support, Speech and Language Support, and Life Skills Support. Students with disabilities may receive special education and related services in the general education classroom or direct instruction and services from a special education teacher in a program-specific classroom, as determined appropriate by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.

During the 2026–2027 school year, the district will participate in a cyclical special education audit conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This review occurs on a five-year rotation and is designed to monitor the district’s compliance with state and federal special education requirements. As part of the process, some parents may be invited to participate in an interview and share feedback regarding their experiences with the district’s special education programs and services.

Our Annual Spartan Games will be held on May 4, 2027. This track-and-field event is designed for students with disabilities who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in athletic events with their peers. Students from 21 school districts participate in the event, and the public is invited to attend and cheer on our athletes.

We look forward to a successful 2026–2027 school year. Together, we will continue to Turn It Up by ensuring every student has access to the services and opportunities needed to succeed.

Knute Brayford
Director of Special Education

Important Notices

Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records

Attention Parents/Guardians, Former Students, and Eligible (Adult) Students

Special Education records collected by the North Schuylkill School District (NSSD) related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of seven years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes their educational program at age 21, or moves from the district.

This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of the district’s intent to destroy Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services for at least seven (7) years beyond the age of twenty-one (21). These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise.

After seven years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but they may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records in writing or in person at:

North Schuylkill School District
Special Education Department
15 Academy Lane
Ashland, PA 17921

The district may charge $0.10 per copy for single-sided pages for personal use and $0.25 per copy for Right to Know requests.

Preparing Students for Adult Life

Secondary Transition is the process of preparing students for adult life after they leave high school. Transition planning begins at age 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, as students consider their goals for the time after graduation through career awareness and exploration activities. The transition process continues through high school as academic instruction and community experiences help clarify and support students’ goals. The entire process is based on individual student needs, considering each student’s strengths, preferences, and interests.

Transition can be thought of as a bridge between school programs and the opportunities of adult life, including higher education or training, employment, independent living, and community participation.

Transition Resources

Parent Resources