Board hears Special Education Foundation update; approves mutual cooperation agreement

Tim Eby, executive director of the Special Education Foundation, updated the Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education on the foundation’s programs and partnerships and said the board approved a mutual cooperation agreement between SEF and SSD.

"I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share with you some of the work that we’re doing in partnership with everyone in the Special School District," Eby said, listing recent initiatives that included purchasing four technologically advanced power wheelchairs for a mobility pilot, a new Junior Leaders Academy for middle school students and classroom innovation grants.

Eby said SEF supported nearly 8,000 students countywide through its programs last year, distributed roughly $75,000 directly to SSD schools through classroom grants and will award $32,500 in post‑secondary scholarships at an event on June 23. He detailed SAFE (Student Aid Fund for Emergencies), SEF’s rebranded critical‑needs program, noting a recent coat drive raised more than $5,000 and that the foundation’s food kits support about 180 families over school breaks.

Board members asked how candidates are referred for SAFE assistance; Eby said SEF works closely with SSD FACE staff and social workers who identify families and submit applications. Superintendent Dr. Macklin and board members thanked Eby and SEF staff for the partnership; Dr. Macklin noted this appears to be the first formal MOU between SEF and SSD to guide the collaboration.

The board later voted to approve the SEF MOU as part of the meeting’s action items. The MOU was presented as a mutual cooperation agreement to structure future joint work and fundraising with the district.

Next steps: SEF will continue planned events and outreach, and the approved MOU will provide a framework for the partnership moving forward.