Special Education Department

Our Program

The Hermiston School District Special Education Program Department takes great pride in providing services that enable all of our children to reach their potential. The district special education program currently serves more than 675 students operating under Federal and State guidelines, offering a full continuum of services to students with disabilities. It ensures a free and appropriate public education that meets the needs of all students in integrated settings. Partnerships are formed with general education staff, specialists, parents, students, and the community to develop the skills and behaviors that will lead students to self-sufficiency and independence.
 
Our Students are served in a variety of ways utilizing many service delivery options, depending upon evaluation results, and IEP (Individual Education Program) team recommendations.
 
Service delivery options most frequently utilized by students ages five to 21 are resource services provided in general education classrooms and/or resource rooms, and to a much lesser extent, in integrated or self-contained classrooms. Selection of the appropriate option for each student is based upon the student’s IEP, the least restrictive environment requirements, and the methods that provide a reasonably high probability of assisting the student to achieve annual goals.
 
For students of all ages, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology, as well as other related services are available as determined through the IEP process.
 
Click here to access Special Education Report from the Oregon Department of Education:
 
 

Our Staff

Neely McKay Tracy Hepworth
Neely McKay
Director of Special Education
 
Tracy Hepworth
Special Programs Department Secretary
 
 
Please contact Tracy Hepworth to get in touch with a special programs staff member.