SSD Parent Handbook (Section 1) – Overview of Special School District

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    mother and daughter doing homework What is SSD?

    Click here to learn about SSD and its mission, vision and history.

    What Does SSD Provide?

    Special School District provides special education services to students who meet Missouri state eligibility criteria in one or more of the identified educational disability categories. Click here for details about each category, including definitions, eligibility critera and resources.

    Students might also qualify for one or more related services as determined by the IEP team. Related services could include:

    • Adaptive physical education
    • Assistive technology services
    • Audiology
    • Counseling services
    • Interpreter services
    • Language therapy
    • Medical services (for diagnostic or evaluation purposes)
    • Music therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Orientation and mobility services
    • Parent education/counseling
    • Physical therapy
    • Psychological services
    • Recreation
    • School health services
    • Social work services
    • Speech therapy
    • Special transportation
    • Transition services

     Other SSD special education services could include:

    • Applied Behavioral Principles
    • Character Education / Choices 4H
    • Early Childhood Special Education
    • Homebound Program
    • Special Non-Public Access Program (SNAP)
    • Special Olympics
    • Title I Reading Program

    SSD Governance Structure


    SSD Board of Education

    SSD divides St. Louis County into seven subdistricts for representation on the district’s Board of Education. One representative from each subdistrict is elected to serve on the Board. The subdistricts are formed by geographical area and by student population. Beginning in 1999, board members have been elected by the SSD Governing Council, which is made up of one board member from each partner district. Two or three board seats come up for election each year and board members are elected for three-year terms. Learn more about the SSD Board of Education, its members and upcoming meetings.

    SSD Governing Council

    The SSD Governing Council is a 22-member oversight board for SSD consisting of one Board of Education member from each of St. Louis County’s 22 public school districts. The Governing Council reviews and approves the district’s annual budget, reviews and approves a five-year rolling plan for the district,  and interviews and elects the seven members of the SSD Board of Education.

    SSD Parent Advisory Council

    The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) consists of up to five parents or guardians who are self-nominated, selected or elected from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. Terms for members are for two years. The purpose of the SSD PAC is to collaborate, educate and advise the SSD Board of Education and SSD Governing Council concerning the rights and concerns of families of children with disabilities. SSD PAC representatives also consult with the SSD superintendent and the Public Review Committee.

    The PAC generally meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month during the school year at SSD's Central Administrative Office, 12110 Clayton Road in Town & Country. Learn more about the SSD PAC.