Special Services

Director

Mrs. April Young

Director of Special Services

District 504 Coordinator

Gifted Services

Special Services Staff

April Young, Special Services Director

ayoung@marionk12.org

Melanie Ratliff, Case Manager

mratliff@marionk12.org

Gannon Rogers, Psychometrist

grogers@marionk12.org

Jennifer Taylor,

Bookkeeper/Secretary/SBAC Coordinator

jljtaylor@marionk12.org

Rhonda Holmes, Clerical Asst.

rphillips@marionk12.org

At Marion County School District, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The Office of Special Services plays a vital role in this mission by providing tailored educational programs and resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Our department oversees:

  • Special Education Services: Individualized programs for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • 504 Plans: Accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Gifted Education: Enrichment programs designed to challenge and engage students who excel academically.
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Counseling and resources to support students' emotional well-being and resilience.
  • Extended School Year (ESY): Services to prevent regression for qualifying students during school breaks.
  • Early Childhood Interventions: Collaborations with Head Start and other early education programs to identify and address developmental delays.

We believe in collaboration and partnership with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to our students. Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment where all students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

For more information about our programs, services, or upcoming events, please explore the links provided on this page. If you have specific questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to support you and your child’s educational journey.

Contact Us:
Office of Special Services
Marion County School District
1010 Hwy 13 North
Columbia, MS 39429
Phone: 601.736.1148

 

Together, we can empower every student to thrive.

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Our Goals

 

  • Marion County School District participates in an ongoing effort to identify, locate, and evaluate children between the ages of three through twenty-one who may be suspected or diagnosed with a disability who resides within the district.

 

  • Provide specially designed educational services/opportunities to all students with a disability to meet their unique needs.

 

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities be provided with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  Our goal is to uphold FAPE standards by providing educational benefit to students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

 

 

Contact Information:
601-736-1148-Office
601-731-7920-Fax
ayoung@marionk12.org

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