Chris Cezar is new special ed director
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Chris Cezar (pronounced Ceasar) began duties July 1 as executive director of Marion County Special Education Cooperative (MCSEC). His office is at MCSEC headquarters in Florence.
Cezar grew up at Dwight in northeast Morris County. His father was a junior high school teacher at Dwight for more than 25 years.
Cezar and his wife Becky live in Wichita but are looking for a home in Marion County. Becky is director of special education in Haysville. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Cezar has been involved in special education for several years. He has a master's degree in school psychology from Emporia State University.
His first position was as school psychologist at Derby. He became involved in special education there and went to Sedgwick County as special education director.
Meanwhile, he obtained certification from ESU in building administration and special education.
He returned to the Derby school district and then accepted the position in Marion County.
Cezar sees his responsibility as providing teachers for kids with special needs, training teachers, and making sure the co-op is in compliance with state and federal laws.
He will work closely with the superintendents of the five school districts in Marion County to see that students' needs are met.
"I can tell that the teachers are very kid-centered," he said of MCSEC. "They have the special needs kids' interests at heart."
Under new education funding legislation passed by the state, the co-op will receive an additional $144,000 in state aid in 2005-06.
Cezar said the money will pay for two additional positions, wage increases, and training.
History of special ed
MCSEC has been in existence for 25 years.
In 1975, Congress passed a law mandating a "free appropriate public education" for all students from first grade through senior high.
Provisions later were added or amended to expand services to younger groups.
The federal government has identified 13 categories of learning or developmental disabilities. Schools are mandated to find and identify eligible students. In addition, the state of Kansas mandates programs for gifted students.
Public special education first was introduced in Marion County in conjunction with Newton and Harvey County.
In 1980, Marion County became independent and established a special education cooperative of its own. Each school district contributes toward its operation.
Special instruction is provided at Florence for students with severe multiple disabilities or developmental issues and also for students with severe behavioral problems, but most services are provided at local schools.
The Life Skills program at Florence has been renamed CLASS (Center for Life Activities, Skills, and Socialization).
According to numbers provided by office staff, at the present time the co-op employs approximately 46 certified staff, seven of whom teach at Florence. At least 89 para-educators also are employed, including 13 at Florence.
More than 500 students from throughout the county currently are enrolled in special education. On average, between 20 and 30 of these receive services at Florence. Student and staff numbers fluctuate somewhat during the year depending on student needs.
Richard Drake was elected chairman at the July 18 meeting of the board of directors. Clark Davis was elected vice president.
