Special Education
Acting Director of Student Services
JoAnn Sei - [email protected]
Secretary – Jane Whitelock -[email protected]
908-709-6217
Special Education Grades Pre K-5 Supervisor
Robyn Park
908-709-6218
Special Education Grades 6-12 Supervisor
Ron Laxamana
908-709-6274
The Special Education Department is dedicated to fostering an inclusive learning environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential. We offer a comprehensive continuum of services designed to meet the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of our learners, as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Our philosophy centers on providing high-quality instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and includes:
In-Class Support (Co-Teaching): Many students benefit from our collaborative model, where a Special Education teacher and a General Education teacher work side-by-side. This ensures students receive specialized instruction while remaining fully engaged in the general education curriculum.
Specialized Programs: For students requiring more intensive support, the district provides a range of specialized settings and therapeutic services tailored to specific learning profiles.
Individualized Scheduling: Every student’s journey is unique. Schedules are meticulously crafted in partnership with Case Managers and Guidance Counselors to ensure all IEP requirements and personal goals are met.
We believe that strong communication between home and school is the foundation of student success. To ensure your concerns are addressed efficiently and by the staff members closest to your child’s daily experience, we ask that you follow our Chain of Communication:
| Primary Contact | Role |
| Classroom Teacher / Service Provider | For questions regarding daily instruction, classroom progress, or specific therapies (Speech, OT, PT). |
| Case Manager | For questions regarding IEP implementation, evaluations, or overall program coordination. |
| Building Principal | For concerns regarding school-wide policies, safety, or building-level operations. |
| Special Education Supervisor | For complex program inquiries or district-level special education resources. |
| Director of Student Services | For complex program inquiries, district-level special education resources, or unresolved IEP concerns. |
| Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction | For inquiries regarding district-wide curriculum alignment, instructional practices, and educational goals. |
| Superintendent of Schools | For matters regarding district-wide policy, strategic vision, and final administrative review. |
Our Goal: By working together through this collaborative chain, we ensure that every student receives the targeted support they need to thrive within our school community.