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Fern Ridge School District

Relationship, Rigor, Relevance

Special Education & Section 504

Special Education & Section 504


 

Special Education

Some students with disabilities qualify for Special Education services and supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

  • Click here to access the 2025 Direction Service Summer Directory. This annual resource contains recreation, respite, support, and service opportunities that families of children with disabilities can access.

    Check out the Directions Services website for additional resources for youth and families.

  • The Oregon Tax Code provides an additional tax exemption for parents of eligible children with disabilities in Oregon. The procedure for claiming an exemption for the 2024 tax year is explained in the Oregon Individual Income Tax Return and Instruction booklets.

    Who qualifies for the exemption?

    A child qualifies if he or she meets all of the following criteria:

    • Qualifies as a dependent of the parent(s) for tax year 2024;
    • Is eligible for early intervention services (birth to age 3), early childhood special education services (ages 3 to 5) or receives special education as defined by the State Board of Education of the state where the child attends school; and,
    • Is considered to have a disability as of December 31, 2024 under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related Oregon laws.

    What documentation must be submitted with the tax return to qualify for this exemption?

    As the tax instruction booklet indicates, the child must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as well as a current eligibility statement as a student with a disability. If you do not have these documents contact your District for a copy of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet, and eligibility statement. Copies of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet and eligibility statement are not required to be submitted with the tax return. However, parents are advised to retain a copy with their 2024 tax records as the Oregon Department of Revenue may ask the parents to provide such documentation. If you have any Special Education related questions, please contact your local education provider.

    Oregon Department of Revenue Online Instructions and Forms

    Oregon income tax forms/publications are available at the DOR website. That process will allow you to claim the additional tax exemption for the 2023 year.

  • Parentally-placed private school students may have access to special education and relted services through the public school district (FRSD). Guidelines for private school special education services are outlined in the FRSD Procedures Manual

    Parents with questions/concerns about special education for private school students should contact their private school staff, or contact our office directly. 

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Section 504 applies to recipients of federal funds, including public schools. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) extends the protections of Section 504 without regard to federal funding. The ADA also applies to public schools.

The Section 504 regulations require school districts to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. A 504 planning team decides what supports a student with disabilities needs to "level the playing field" so the student can access educational opportunities.

Some students with disabilities qualify for special education services and supports under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Section 504 is not the same as Special Education under the IDEA. 

504 Contacts:

  • FRSD 504 Coordinator: Rilke Klingsporn, Director of Special Programs
  • Elmira Elementary: Courtney Roberts, Counselor
  • Veneta Elementary: Ashley Fischer, Counselor
  • Fern Ridge Middle School: Eric Carman, Assistant Principal & Katelyn Tracer, Counselor
  • Elmira High School: Brittany McMillan, Counselor & Court Wirth, Counselor