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Two staff members in SSD recently had their proposals funded by DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that allows teachers to conduct an online fundraiser to purchase classroom resources.

Jim Walsh (right in photo), an SSD interpreter who works at Parkway West High School, was recently presented with the 2026 Edward and Esther Haywood Caring Educator Award by the Charles E. Fleming Legacy Foundation. The foundation gives the award each year to an educator in the St. Louis area who has demonstrated exceptional care and love for students, parents, colleagues and the education/professional community.

A Special School District strategic plan or CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan) goal area will be highlighted each month to update staff and the community on work being done. This month, we highlight Strategies 1.1 (Develop administrators’ skill sets for strategic priority setting for improved efficiency and effectiveness) and 1.2 (Develop internal capacity for using data systems for gathering and analyzing student data) from the strategic plan.

With life experience parenting a child with special needs and a professional background in technology, LaToya Nelson is fully prepared to be an asset to the SSD Board of Education. She will represent Subdistrict 4 (Ferguson-Florissant, Pattonville, and Riverview Gardens school districts) until March 2026 after being appointed by the Board in April 2025.

As a clinical genetic counselor and parent whose child receives an SSD service, Erin Beaver is uniquely prepared to serve on the SSD Board of Education. She represents families in Subdistrict 3 (Parkway) and looks forward to contributing to the well-being and education of all students in the District.