April 23, 2015


 

Dear Parents of students enrolled in the Geauga County ESC programs,

 

As a result of questions raised at the April 20th Board of Education meeting regarding a resolution to enter into a Primary Service Agreement with the Cuyahoga County Education Service Center, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify this recommendation and review the implications for our District.

 

An amendment was added to the existing legislation in 2013, which now allows districts to change Educational Service Centers (ESC) every two years. This opportunity allows school districts to continue to evaluate and seek services and professional support from an ESC, which best matches the needs of the district.  After research, meetings, ongoing dialogues with the Geauga ESC leadership, the Cuyahoga ESC personnel, area superintendents, administrators including District and County Special Education Directors, presentations to PTO Council, Kenston Citizens Advisory Council and board members, our Board exercised their right to notify the Geauga ESC of the termination of the Primary Service Agreement.  This new contract with Cuyahoga County ESC will allow us to partner with surrounding districts and have access to outstanding professional development, shared resources and staff support, development of innovative programs and services, and assistance in technology innovation.

 

Of specific interest to parents is the Cooperative Agreement we hold with the Geauga ESC.  This contract, renewed annually, provides some special education programs and services to Kenston students in a variety of locations. This contract remains unchanged.  We have not made any recommendation to alter this service contract and expect that all student services will remain unchanged and uninterrupted for the upcoming school year and foreseeable future.  These programs and related services include:

 

Programs
  • S.T.A.R.S.  
  • Multiple Disabilities
  • Emotionally Disturbed
  • Preschool
  • Alternative School
  • Youth Center School
  • Vocational Programs
  • Gifted
    		•

    Related Services 

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Assistive Technology
  • Adaptive Physical Education
  • Psychological Services
  • Vision Services
  • Behavior and Literacy Consultants
  • Social Work Services
  • Transition Services
  • Intervention Specialist Services
  • Nursing Services
  • Job Training Coordination
  • Parent Mentor

    •

    If you would like to discuss the individual needs of your child, contact Special Education Director, Rita Pressman, at (440) 543-3013 or via e-mail at rita.pressman@kenstonapps.org.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Nancy R. Santilli

    Superintendent of Schools