Special Education
Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education
On August 30, 2023, we received updated information Carole L. Clancy, Director of the PDE Bureau of Special Education, regarding the amended Age of Eligibility Policy. informed all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) titled Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education.
The information states that "[t]he Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is writing to communicate an important policy change that will provide continued education services to special education students. This policy change will ensure students can access Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as they are entitled under federal law."
"Effective no later than September 5, 2023, all students entitled to FAPE and all of the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code may remain enrolled in public school until they turn 22 years of age. This includes students who turned 21 and exited during or after the 2022-2023 school term."
Learn more about IDEA-B Regulations and Policies on PDE's website.
Special Education Change of Age Eligibility.
Change of Age Eligibility FAQ.
Programs for Exceptional Learners
The Butler Area School District is responsible for providing children with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education or FAPE. FAPE is a federal mandate that all children with disabilities must receive appropriate educational programs, tailored to their unique needs, from which they receive educational benefit at no cost to families.
The special education programs operated by the Butler Area School District comply with the provisions of Pennsylvania Regulations for Special Education, Chapter 14. These programs are designed specifically for the individual student and are based upon evaluation information provided by each child’s Multidisciplinary Team.
Contact Information
Cari Boozel
Assistant Director of Special Education
Cari.Boozel@basdk12.org
Curt Springer
Assistant Director of Behavioral Services
Curt.springer@basdk12.org
Beth Samson
Transition Coordinator
Bethany.Samson@basdk12.org
Special Education Plan 2024-2027
A draft of Butler Area School District's Special Education Plan for 2024-2027 is now available for public review. It will be available for 28 days, beginning on Monday, March 4, 2024.