Dear Fellow NCCASE Members,

It is an honor to serve as your NCCASE President and I look forward to making an impact for you, and ultimately for students, in this important role. Thank you for entrusting me as your newest leader!

Special education is a passion I have developed over the course of nearly 30 years. After beginning in the classroom as a teacher, I became a program specialist and then Special Education Director. I joined Nash County Public Schools in 2008 and currently serve as the Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education. My experience at each of these levels has provided an understanding of the realities, challenges, and opportunities we have as educators and leaders in this critical field.

I firmly believe in the vision of NCCASE and approach this leadership role with intention and eagerness to advance our mission. The ability to provide support, influence policies and practices, and advocate for programs that improve the quality of special education and services is a responsibility for which I am seriously committed.

Making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities across North Carolina can be achieved by providing high quality programs that focus on educating the whole child. Together, we can change the trajectory of students today and in the future.

NCCASE has a long-standing history of advocacy and support for special education across the state. We continue to prioritize the following areas in our mission to improve the quality of education for students with disabilities:

• ●  Supporting recommended changes to the EC Funding Formula and appropriations process to focus allotment decisions based on service needs for students instead of a straight per student allotment;

• ●  Continuing to work with the Division of Health Benefits to approve and increase the number of Medicaid Billable services for school districts;

• ●  Working to improve recruitment and retention of Highly Qualified EC staff, including School Psychologists, in the state;

• ●  Continuing to support and work for improvement in available financial resources to encourage school safety and mental health services throughout the state.

● Supporting Special Education Directors across the state by partnering with the NC Office of Special Education to develop a mentor program for new directors

Thank you for the countless hours you contribute day after day, for your tireless commitment to special education in our state, and for the daily impact you make in the lives of so many students and families.

It is a privilege to walk alongside you in the relentless pursuit of excellence for special education and act as a voice on your behalf.

My best,

Christ Gran

Christy Grant, M.Ed.
NC CASE President
Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education | Nash County Public Schools