--Notice of Intent to Dispose of Special Education Records--

On July 23 2026, in accordance with rules and regulations of the Illinois State of Board of Education and the Illinois School Student Records Act, Cahokia Unit School District #187 will destroy the Special Education records of students who graduated during or before May 2021, as well as students who withdrew from the District or exited Special Education services during or prior to the 2020-2021 school year.  Former students who are impacted, or their legal guardians, may obtain copies of these records prior to destruction by contacting the Special Education Office at 618-332-4708 during regular school hours before July 23, 2026.

Welcome!

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Community Members,

Cahokia School District #187 is committed to providing a high quality education for all of our students.  In carrying out the District’s vision for all students to “graduate and have sufficient skills, understandings and personal characteristics for learning, working and living fully,” the Special Education Department provides a complete continuum of services to meet the diverse learning needs of all of our students.

The Special Education Department includes Administrators, Teachers, Paraprofessionals, School Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapy staff, a Physical Therapist, and an Assistive Technology Facilitator.  The majority of students with special needs are served in district and educated alongside their peers. We are proud of the work that our staff and students do to achieve success inside the classroom and beyond.

We are proud to be a part of the Cahokia school community and appreciate the opportunity to serve the students and families of our district.  Please visit our webpage often for information and updates.  If you have questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Carmen Hawkins
Director of Special Education

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. The purpose of Section 504 is to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, services, and activities, and that their needs are met as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities.

A Section 504 Plan may support a student’s ability to learn and participate in the general education setting by identifying appropriate accommodations and supports. These accommodations are designed to address the student’s individual needs within the school environment.

Students who do not qualify for an Individualized Education Program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may still qualify for protections and services under Section 504. A student may be eligible if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment.

A Section 504 Plan is developed by a team of individuals who are knowledgeable about the student, evaluation information, and available school supports. Each school building has designated 504 Coordinators who work with teachers, parents/guardians, and the student, when appropriate, to review, evaluate, and develop the 504 Plan. Plans are reviewed annually to ensure continued support and access for the student.

For more information contact Tamyra Taylor by email or by phone at 618-332-4716.