Exceptional Student Education
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) provides services to over 13,000 students within Volusia County Schools. Students may be considered for ESE services if they meet the criteria of one or more of the categories of disabilities and/or meet eligibility criteria for gifted services as outlined in the Exceptional Student Education Special Policies and Procedures (SP&P).
Students may be identified with intellectual, behavioral, physical, medical, sensory and/or communication exceptionalities. The student must show a need for special education and related services as a result of his/her disability or disabilities. Students being considered for the gifted program are also required to demonstrate an educational need for services. Parents have the right to bring another adult of their choice to any ESE related meetings.
For further information about services, click on ESE Programs and Services on the left. The site will provide general information and awareness of the services and programs that ESE/SS supports.
Staff related information can be found at the following site: VCS ESE Intranet (Staff)
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your child's:
- Evaluation for Gifted or Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
- Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- Gifted Educational Plan (EP)
- Section 504
- McKay or Gardiner Scholarship
- ESE services or support
- General questions or concerns regarding students' exceptional needs
Please leave a message with your name, contact information, and a summary of your concern. If you are contacting us about a student, please include the student's name and school. We will respond to your inquiry within 2 business days.
ESE Collaborative Resolution Form
Email: ESECompliance@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 734-7190 ext. 34781
Amanda Wiles
Executive Director
Email: anwiles@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 33280
Allie Johnston
Assistant Director
Email: anjohnst@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 33576
Dr. Mary Ellen Speidel
ESE Coordinator
Email: mspeidel@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 33277
Lida Grillo
Elementary Programs Coordinator
Email: lpgrillo@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 38352
Eleeta Hopkins
Low Incidence Programs Coordinator
Email: eshopkin@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 38539
Sheryl Sandvoss
ASD and Secondary Programs Coordinator
Email: slsandvo@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 38435
Catherine Galotti
Transition Programs Coordinator
Email: cgalotti@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 255-6475 ext. 38321
Erin Harrigan
ADA Compliance Officer
Email: eaharrig@volusia.k12.fl.us
Phone: (386) 734-7190 ext. 71362
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department Connecting With Our Parents!
The ESE and FDLRS Departments host an “ESE Family Event” each year. The event is designed to help students, families and community members gather information and connect with school and agency staff to gather information and resources to enable our students obtain their postsecondary goals. Planning for life after high school begins as soon as a student enter Volusia County Schools.
The first “ESE Family Event” was held at University High School on February 3, 2024. The second “ESE Family Event” will be held on April 27, 2024 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Students, family, and community members have the opportunity to attend informational session and meet to State and local agencies. Below is a list of some of the topics that are available at the “ESE Family Event.”
• Assistive Technology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Career and Technical Education
• Child Abuse Awareness
• College Opportunities
• Diploma and Deferment Options
• Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
• Early Childhood Resources
• Financial Planning for Special Needs
• Guardianship
• Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Project SEARCH
• Supportive Employment
• Vocational Rehabilitation