WHAT WE BELIEVE
IT IS THE MISSION OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION COOPERATIVE:
TO PROVIDE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AND SELF-CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS TO SUCCEED IN BECOMING LIFELONG LEARNERS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
HISTORY
The purpose of the Franklin County Special Education Cooperative is to assist member school districts in meeting the requirement of a full range of special education services.
The Cooperative was formed in 1975 and consisted of 11 school districts (Anaconda, Lonedell, Pacific, New Haven, Franklin County R-II, Spring Bluff, St. Clair, Strain-Japan, Sullivan, and Washington). The main office was located in Union, Missouri in the Armory Building. The Union School District was the fiscal agent for the Cooperative until 1988.
In 1982 four more districts joined the Cooperative. Bourbon, Hermann, Richwoods, and Owensville brought the membership to 15 districts.
In 1988 the Anaconda School District dissolved and the Cooperative moved into the Anaconda School Building. The St. Clair R-13 School District became the fiscal agent for the Cooperative. With Anaconda no longer a member, the membership dropped to 14 districts. Joyce Bennett became the Director of the Cooperative.
In 1991 Steelville joined the Cooperative.
In 1993 Cuba joined the Cooperative.
In 1996 Pacific left the Cooperative.
In 1999 Washington left the Cooperative for 5 years. They returned in 2004 and stayed for 6 years. They left in 2010.
In 2000 Richwoods left the Cooperative for 7 years. They returned in 2007.
In 2001 Sue Thornsberry became the Director of the Cooperative.
In 2006 Hermann left the Cooperative.
In 2006 Cindy Edwards and Cheri Fortney became Co-Directors of the Cooperative. Cindy Edwards is the Director of ECSE and Cheri Fortney is the Director of K-12.
In 2021 Christina Harbour became the Director of K-12. Hermann rejoined the Cooperative beginning the 22-23 school year.
The Cooperative currently has 14 members. Eight of the districts are original members (Lonedell, New Haven, Franklin County R-II, St. Clair, Spring Bluff, Strain-Japan, Sullivan, & Union). Owensville, Bourbon, Steelville, Richwoods, Cuba, and Hermann are also currently members.