History

The concerns of parents and public school districts for the education of students with serious disabilities were addressed with the establishment of the Mercer County Special Services School District in November 1977. The creation of the district was due to the cooperative efforts of the Mercer County Administration, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Parent Organization, the Mercer County Education Office, public school districts of the county, and state and county agencies serving students with disabilities.
The Mercer County Special Services School District has provided over twenty years of comprehensive, innovative services for students with severe and complex disabilities and their families.

Mercer County Special Services School District is a receiving school district. We do not have any resident students. Rather, the student is the resident of the school district in which he or she lives.

As a receiving school district, we screen admissions to ensure that there is a match between the student’s needs and our ability to meet those needs.
The student’s resident school district is the “sending” district and we are the “receiving” district. The sending district has the legal responsibility for the student’s education. We are responsible for meeting the statutory and contractual requirements necessary to meet the child’s IEP.

Mission

Mercer County Special Services School District is committed to serve as a catalyst for providing innovative integrated programs and services. We serve individuals with significant disabilities as well as meeting the specialized needs of districts and agencies. Through leadership and the collaborative efforts of staff, family, sending districts and community, the district will equip individuals with the skills necessary to successfully function in their environment.

Who We Serve

The Mercer County Special Services School District provides programs for preschool disabled, multiply disabled, autistic and emotionally disturbed students. Programs include preschool, primary, elementary and secondary age populations. Special projects provide services to infants, graduates, parents, other agencies and coordinated countywide transportation for students with disabilities. We also provide on-site educational programs for residents of the Mercer County Youth Detention Center.

Funding

The Mercer County Special Services School District’s regular budget is supported by state aid, county aid and tuition. Additional federal, state, and county funds are received in the form of grants and contracts for a variety of special projects.