Special Education

Special education services and programs are designed to meet the unique needs of children and youth with exceptionalities. Through individualized and specially designed instruction, children with special needs master curricula and develop important skills for living and learning in the 21st century.

Fayette County Schools Special Education Department is eager to assist students and their families in understanding and navigating the special education process. We welcome questions and suggestions so contact us anytime!

Kelly Thompson
Special Education Director
khogan@k12.wv.us

Fayette County Special Education Staff

Kelly Thompson
Special Education Director
khogan@k12.wv.us

Tina Ellis
Special Education Supervisor
cfellis@k12.wv.us

Angela Hayes
Secretary
a.hayes@k12.wv.us

Special Education Specialists

Amanda Sisk
asisk@k12.wv.us

Brittany Chaber
brittany.chaber@k12.wv.us

Tracey Thompson
tthompson@k12.wv.us

Angie Jones
amjones@k12.wv.us

Karen Underwood
kmunderw@k12.wv.us

School Psychologists

Myra Moore
myra.moore@k12.wv.us

Jennifer York-Lilly
jyork@k12.wv.us

Barbie Jordan
barbara.jordon@k12.wv.us

Occupational Therapists

Donna Evans
djevan@k12.wv.us

Hope Wright
hope.wright@k12.wv.us

Bambi Hill (Certified OT Assistant)
bambi.hill@k12.wv.us

Physical Therapists

Anita Swanson
asadams@k12.wv.us

Sharon Pack
sharon.pack@k12.wv.us

Special Education Questions & Answers

What is an IEP?
The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the heart of the planning process for special education services. It is developed by parents and educators and addresses the student’s strengths and weaknesses. The IEP is an important planning process.

What is a multidisciplinary evaluation?
If a child is suspected of having an exceptionality, a team of qualified staff (e.g., teachers, psychologist, principal) meet with you to determine the various tests that may help the team decide if your child has an exceptionality and needs specially designed instruction.

Contact your child’s teacher and/or principal to schedule a Student Assistance Team (SAT) meeting. A group of educators will look at your child’s progress and help you understand and decide what steps should be taken next.

What is a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?
An appropriate education is based on access and participation in the general curriculum. In West Virginia, the general curriculum is the Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives. The IEP Team develops an IEP that describes the special education and related services that will allow your child to make progress in the content standards. Special education must be delivered in the least restrictive environment (LRE) which may be the general classroom for all or part of the day or, for some students, a separate special education class.

For more information, see West Virginia State Board of Education Policy 2419:

Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities