Special Services

SPECIAL SERVICES @ RNESU

Special services at RNESU encompasses early essential education (3-5 years), special education (5-21 years), prevention and intervention services, and coordinating Medicaid.

All special education personnel are centralized and fall under the RNESU central office. This includes school psychologists, special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, early essential education teachers, paraprofessionals and contracted staff (i.e. occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavior specialists) serving our students.

At RNESU we recognize that the needs of our students can be ever-changing. We work as a unified team to keep a pulse on each of our students with an ability to respond in a cohesive way to meet their needs with compassion and understanding. 

OUR BELIEF

Our belief that all of our schools can effectively teach all of our children/students stems from the practice of including all students in regular education classrooms. When it is necessary for students to receive special education services those programs, strategies, and procedures are individually designed (through a coordinated effort) and employed to supplement, enhance and support the general curriculum.

Our Core Assumptions are:

  • Our educational system can effectively teach all children.

  • Early intervention is critical for addressing potential concerns before they become problematic for the student.

  • High quality instruction includes staff collaboration, trust, commitment and effective supports for students.

  • The implementation of a multi-tiered service delivery model is necessary.

  • A problem-solving model should be used to make decisions between tiers.

  • Research-based interventions should be implemented to the extent possible.

  • Progress monitoring must be implemented to inform instruction.

  • Data should drive decision making.

By providing in-district programs, we are able to offer our families an option that meets the needs of all of our students here within RNESU – avoiding the need to look elsewhere. We cherish the opportunity to serve the needs of all of our families in the communities where they live and work. 

Our Sites

NORTH CAMPUS

Over the years Otter Valley’s North Campus has served many different groups of students, and had many different programs benefit from its unique structure and design. As a program site, North Campus can offer several programs at the same time because it has a gym and a separate entrance to a downstairs workspace. Over the years OVUHS and RNESU have committed financially to create an ideal environment for our alternative programs to include a full operating kitchen area for students to engage and explore. North Campus has an outdoor area with grass and walkways.

PARK VILLAGE SETTING

Our setting at Park Village is extremely convenient and allows for administrative oversight and back-up as well as easy access to our building through a rear entry and driveway that includes the needed handicapped accessible ramp. The inner courtyard and tarred roads of the Village allow for peaceful walks on even terrain with access to the out of doors as well as community interaction and engagement. The Village also serves as a great community engagement center with a restaurant, Compass Center and Museum, Childcare and many neighbors.

Our Team

Marsha Bruce

Marsha Bruce, Director of Student Support Services, is responsible for all the overall provision of services throughout the supervisory union. Marsha Bruce was named the 2021 VCSEA Administrator of the Year and brings over 30 years of Special Education knowledge to the RNESU team. Marsha Bruce also serves as the Supervisory Union's Harassment Coordinator and Equity Officer as well as the consultant for Section 504 (the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vermont Schools). If you have any questions pertaining to special education or Section 504, feel free to contact Marsha F. Bruce, Director of Special Services or any one of our district schools.

Kristine is directly responsible for the supervision and evaluation of all faculty and staff at Otter Valley Union High School and the Coordinator of Out of District/Off Sites, directly responsible for all programs and services occurring within the OV North Campus.

Beth Ripley
Executive Asst. to the Director of Student Support Services

Yvonne Booska
School-Based Medicaid Clerk

Nate Traynor
Special Educator/Facilitator on Eval Team