President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has put forward recommendations to the State Board of Education aimed at reimagining the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD). These recommendations propose consolidating MSSD's 34 locations into 12 newer facilities over the next decade, starting in the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, a grant program is suggested to enhance local education agencies' (LEAs) capacity to serve students with extensive support needs (ESN).
Established in 1957, MSSD caters to children and youth aged 5 to 21 with ESN when their local districts cannot meet their educational requirements. Missouri remains unique as the only state maintaining separate state-operated schools for such students.
In collaboration with Public Consulting Group LLC and Capital Asset Engineering, DESE conducted an independent evaluation of MSSD's operations and educational programming over two years. A Long Range Planning Advisory Committee (LRPAC), comprising over 50 stakeholders, was formed in September 2024 to review these findings and make recommendations. The committee concluded its work in February.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger expressed gratitude for the LRPAC's efforts: “We appreciate the commitment the LRPAC members demonstrated throughout their work.” She noted that consolidating efforts could result in a more efficient program that enriches resources at each location and enhances services for students with severe disabilities.
The LRPAC identified several strengths within MSSD, including supportive staff and leadership. However, challenges such as a significant enrollment decline, high staff vacancy rates, aging facilities not designed for ESN students, and inconsistent instructional measures were also highlighted.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Mark Wheatley commented on recent temporary consolidations due to staff vacancies: “Since fall 2023, staff vacancies have forced the emergency temporary consolidation of six MSSD schools.” He emphasized that while necessary for safety and essential education provision, further improvements are needed.
Liz Smith from the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education praised DESE's inclusive approach: “I appreciate DESE and MSSD including the perspective of special education directors statewide in the LRPAC process.” She stressed that building capacity within LEAs will be crucial for success.
Efforts are also underway by OSE and MSSD leaders to ensure students with ESN are educated in less restrictive environments per federal guidelines. Dr. Wheatley stated: “The LRPAC thought carefully about LRE and how our state can most appropriately ensure that students with ESN have access to...education they are guaranteed.”
No final decisions have been made yet regarding large-scale changes. The Board is expected to act on these recommendations during its meeting on June 3, 2025.
Details about these recommendations can be accessed on DESE’s website along with related reports and materials.
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