At LACS, questions regarding the Committee on Special Education or Section 504 Plan can be directed to Mrs. Mary Compo, Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education, at 315-376-9012.

The Committee on Special Education (CSE):

• Serves students who may be classified as having a disability in one of thirteen categories (i.e., autism, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, etc.).
• Creates an Individualized Education Program (IEP) detailing the student’s present levels of academic and social performance, related services, and testing modifications.
• Receives federal funding to assist school districts in paying for services needed by students between the ages of 3 and 21.

Section 504 Plan:

• Serves students with a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, such as breathing, caring for oneself, hearing, learning, performing manual tasks, seeing, speaking, walking, or working.
• Compares a student to the average student in the national population, not to his/her own ability or that of the child’s own school peers when determining eligibility for a 504 Plan.
• Creates a written plan that details services provided to students. It is not required that special education services be a part of the plan.
• Does not receive federal funding.

Section 504 is also overseen by several co-chairpersons, depending on the grade level of your child:

• Kindergarten-5th Grade: Mrs. Philomena Goss and Mrs. Jill Ortlieb
• 6th Grade: Mr. Scott Exford and Mrs. Sarah Clemons
• 7th-8th Grade: Mr. Scott Exford and Mrs. Sarah Clemons
• 9th-12th Grade: Mr. Brian Finn and Mrs. Sarah Clemons

The New York State Education Department’s Office of Special Education completed a Special Education Programs and Services Focused Review in the Lowville Academy and Central School District during the 2015-16 school year. The purpose of this review was to assess the district’s compliance with selected federal and State laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities.

The review was conducted by the Special Education Quality Assurance (SEQA) Central Regional Office. The review process involved a review of school records of a representative sample of students with disabilities, classroom visitations and surveys. In addition, meetings of the Committee on Special Education were also observed.

A copy of the report may be reviewed from the District Office, located at 7668 North State Street, Lowville NY 13367