Student Services
Our special education department provides inclusive and comprehensive educational programs for students with disabilities from age three through 21 years of age, as required by law. Currently, more than 1,500 students have been identified as students with disabilities.
Each student who receives special education services must meet eligibility criteria determined by the state and have an Individual Education Program (IEP) which describes the student's present level of performance, special education needs, goals, objectives and services.
Individuals qualify for special education services when they have one or more of the following disabilities, according to state and federal guidelines:
- Intellectual disability
- Hearing impairment
- Speech or language impairment
- Visual impairment
- Emotional disturbance
- Orthopedic impairment
- Autism
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Deafness
- Deaf-blindness
- Multiple disabilities
- Developmental delay
Contacts
Melinda Vaughn
Director of Student Services
740-670-7025
mvaughn@newarkcityschools.org
Jennifer McMahon
Special Education Coordinator
Preschool
jmcmahon@newarkcityschools.org
Kristi Beachy
Special Education Coordinator
Grades K-5
kbeachy@newarkcityschools.org
Nicole Garrison
Special Education Coordinator
Grades 6-12
ngarrison@newarkcityschools.org
Kyra Schloenbach
Special Education Coordinator
kschloenbach@newarkcityschools.org
Brittany Collins
Secretary
(740) 670-7025
bcollins@newarkcityschools.org
Deborah Swinehart
Secretary
(740) 670-7027
dswinehart@newarkcityschools.org
Additional Links
Part B Grant Funds Announcement for 2026-27 school year
The Newark City Schools Special Education Department will soon apply for Part B grant funds for the 2026-2027 school year. These are federal funds used to support the education of students with disabilities for whom Newark City Schools is financially responsible. Each year, the district collects input from parents, staff, and community members regarding the expenditure of these monies. If you have ideas regarding the use of these funds, there will be an opportunity to meet in person June 16 at 3:30 at the District offices 621 Mt. Vernon Rd.