Special Education Programs

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

Welcome to Intermediate School District 917 special education programs. This website will provide you with important information for the 2025-2026 school year. We encourage you to save this website link for future reference. As a district, we are focused on grounding our work in our nine core values.

• Collaboration: Working together to achieve more collectively

• Empathy: Considering and respecting the perspective and needs of member districts, students, families, and staff

• Innovation: Ongoing improvement of programs and services

• Stewardship: Managing financial and human resources carefully and responsibly

• Communication: Multi-dimensional, transparent conversation focused on sharing information and creating a positive learning and working environment.

• Integrity: Aligning our actions with our values and beliefs 

• Personalization: Building on the strengths and addressing the unique needs of individual students

• Equity: Intentionally providing opportunities while removing barriers at all levels of the organization

• Diversity: Appreciating and valuing everyone's unique selves

Intermediate School District 917 provides many special education services to students from our member districts. This handbook contains information regarding our programs along with names of individuals you may contact if you have questions. We also encourage you to maintain close contact with your resident school district special education staff who will continue to be an important part of the planning team.  

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you. 

Sincerely,

Melissa Schaller, PhD

Executive Director of Student Services