Special Education
In Decatur County, our district is proud to serve the needs of our special education students. We strive to provide all students with an education that will empower them to reach their potential. Every school in our system serves some special needs students.
The philosophy of our special education department is to enforce the belief that “all children can learn.” Our purpose is to provide each student with a disability in our school system with an individualized education program (IEP) that is designed to provide appropriate educational services.
The mission of special education in Decatur County Schools is to identify and support exceptional children. Our program is established uniquely for each student who meets specific criteria. Our services are delivered on a continuum ranging from an hour or two per week to full day, self-contained classes. In accordance with state and federal laws, each student who is eligible for special education services is provided a free, appropriate, public education in their least restrictive environment.
Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records
Federal regulations at C.F.R. 80.42(b) provide that local education agencies receiving federal funds are required to retain for three years, records necessary to show compliance with federal and state mandates. Therefore, upon expiration of three years after last expending federal funds on behalf of a child with a disability, local education agencies may begin destruction of records.
Federal regulations at 34 C.F.R. 300.624 provide that local education agencies inform parents when personally identifiable information collected, maintained, or used is no longer needed to provide educational services to the child.
This notification is to inform parents/guardians of former students of Decatur County School District’s intent to destroy Special Education records of students who are no longer receiving special education services. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible adult student notifies the school district otherwise. With proof of identity, the parent/guardian or eligible adult student may request a copy of the records in person or by mail: Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main St., Decaturville, TN 38329.
Contact Information
Special Education Supervisor: Tina Gardner tina.gardner@decaturschools.org
Special Education Psychologist: Scott Maxwell scott.maxwell@decaturschools.org
Special Ed Administrative Asst: Carolyn Tate carolyn.tate@decaturschools.org
Phone: (731) 847-5908 Fax: (731) 852-2960
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder– A statewide clearinghouse of disability-related resources and multilingual helpline