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Special Education

District 47 provides a comprehensive range of special education and related services tailored to address the unique academic and social-emotional requirements of every student with disabilitiesSpecial education staff conducts Child Find activities, determines eligibility for special education services, and provides qualifying services to eligible students in preschool through 8th grade. The services provided include specialized instruction for students with learning disabilities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision and hearing itinerant services, specialized instruction and supports for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities, autism, significant speech/language impairments, and cognitive disabilities. District 47 partners with private facilities and surrounding school districts to provide programming for all low-incidence disabilities.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. Questions about the identification, assessment and placement of students should be directed to the Director of Special Education/District 504 coordinator at 815-788-5030.

Section 504 Rights and Procedures

Specialized Programs

District 47 offers self-contained special education programs to address the individualized needs of students who require more specialized instruction due to disabilities or other learning challenges. The goal is to provide a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while receiving the specific attention and accommodations they need to succeed.

district opt-out form

For topics where a legal opt-out is not listed, parents/guardians can complete a Curriculum Objection Form to express objections to a unit of study or resource.  The form is available in English and in Spanish. Once completed, the form should be submitted to the building principal who will investigate and review materials to determine whether a change in curriculum or resources is warranted, based on Illinois curriculum and mandates.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to first make contact with the classroom teacher when there is a concern about your child or their participation in a specific course or classroom.

District Resources

This page contains links to documents that are in Adobe's PDF format.  If you have accessibility needs that make it difficult for you to access and/or interpret information in PDF format, please call 815-788-5014 or email communications@d47.org, and we will be happy to assist you. 

Aimee Kasper

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

akasper@d47.org
815.788.5030

Holly Lyman

Director of Special Education 

hlyman@d47.org
815.788.5042

Jana Loofboro

Assistant Director of Special Education

jloofboro@d47.org
815.788.5046

Dr. Ryan Olson

Assistant Director of Special Education

rolson@d47.org
815.788.5059

Stacy O'Dea

Assistant Director of Special Education

sodea@d47.org
815.788.5037

Katie Campion

CIA Specialist: Professional Development/Child Find

kjcampion@d47.org
815.788.5033

TBD

CIA Specialist: Communication, Compliance Records & Scheduling

815.788.5043

Angela Frey

Special Education/Business Specialist

afrey@d47.org
815.788.5034

Shirley Sternberg

CIA Specialist: Curriculum & Resources

ssternberg@d47.org
815.788.5044