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Special Education

Overview

Schools in the SAU41 District provide a free appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the District, in accord with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and New Hampshire law.

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.  Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities as provided in the federal and state statutes which govern special education.  For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of a qualifying disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need specialized instruction or related services, the district shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards.  The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, educational accommodations, and placement. This system shall include notice, an opportunity for the students’ parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing with the opportunity for participation by the students/ parent(s)/guardian(s), the right to be represented by legal counsel, and a review procedure.

The district recognizes its obligation to provide an education for all students determined to be educationally disabled and in need of special education and related services.  This obligation shall begin when a student reaches three years of age and shall continue until the student’s 21st birthday or until such time has he/she receives a high school diploma, whichever occurs first, or until the child’s IEP Team determines that the child no longer requires special education in accordance with federal and state law.  

Families Seeking special education services should refer to the following flow chart and should contact the student's school to begin the process