Overview
Parent/Guardian Information Regarding SE

Welcome to the Special Education Department!

The special services department provides a continuum of services throughout the district to serve students with a variety of needs. Each building offers collaborative services to students within the general education classroom. The district also offers services within the special education setting for students with more significant needs. Each school also has speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological, and social work-related services.

For students to be eligible for special education services, they must exhibit an educational disability as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act of 2004. Eligibility for special education is only determined after an evaluation. Students may be eligible for special education under one of the following categories: Autism, Cognitive Disability, Deaf/Blindness, Deafness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech-Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Visual Impairment/Blindness.

Meet our Staff

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Dr. Ann Bond

Director of Special Education and School-Based Social-Emotional Learning

For 27 years, Dr. Ann Bond has been honored to serve in a variety of roles in Peoria Public Schools such as teacher, professional development coordinator, director of early childhood, special education coordinator, principal of Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center, principal of Franklin Primary School, and director of special education. In her current role she oversees the department of special education (continuing as the state-sponsored director of special education), the department of social emotional learning, and the specialized schools of Day Treatment, R.A. Jamieson School, and Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center. Ann has two bachelor's degrees in teacher education and sociology, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, a doctorate of education in education administration, and a variety of certifications including the director of special education certification. Ann is deeply committed to the students, staff, and families of Peoria Public Schools. She BELIEVES in the potential of each individual and is dedicated to fostering excellence and success for EVERY student.

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Margaret Dolan, Special Education Coordinator

Mrs. Dolan is a special educator with 14 years of experience. She taught in the areas of high school, life skills, cross-cat, autism and inclusion for 10 years before moving to administration. She furthered her knowledge by getting her masters from ISU and holds her special education director's endorsement.

Mrs. Dolan has a passion for special education and supporting staff to provide the best possible services to our students and families. She is a strong believer in doing what is best for students.

She enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids who are busy with various sports and activities.

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Marci Hayes, Special Education Coordinator

Marci is a Special Educator who started her 25th year in Peoria Public Schools. She has spent time as a cross-categorical Special Education Teacher as well as serving as a Special Education Coordinator for the last 11 years. She furthered her education by receiving a master’s degree from Illinois State University in Curriculum & Instruction-Reading and another from Concordia University in School administration.

Marci currently supports the 6 Richwoods High School feeder schools which range from kindergarten to 8th grade as well as all the Private/Parochial schools within the district’s boundaries. Marci’s tenure and experience in Peoria Public Schools gives her a unique perspective of the needs of our students and how they have changed. She feels strongly in serving all students in their least restrictive environment and coaching staff on this mindset.

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Dr. Molly Herman, Special Education Coordinator

Dr. Molly Herman has 20 years of experience in the field of special education in Peoria Public Schools.  Her specialty areas include deaf education, early childhood education, and early intervention.  Before moving into special education administration, Molly was a self-contained Deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) preschool teacher.  She earned her Bachelors in Deaf Education in 2005, Spoken Language and Listening Professional Certificate in 2007, master’s in special education in 2009, National Board Certificate in 2009, Director of Special Education Certificate in 2013, and Doctorate Degree in Special Education in 2018 all from Illinois State University. Molly currently works as a special education coordinator for the district in the areas of early childhood, some low incidence disabilities including DHH and low vision/blindness and specified special education support staff.  Her passions are working with families, facilitating implementation of student IEPs, and supporting teachers to establish effective classrooms full of engagement and learning!

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Amanda Rutledge, Special Education Coordinator

Mrs. Rutledge has been in the field of special education for 17 years.  She taught inclusion, cross-cat, and ED before moving to administration.  Mrs. Rutledge has two master's degrees from Bradley University.  She also holds her special education directors’ endorsement. Mrs. Rutledge serves Manual High School, Richwoods High School, Knoxville Center for Student Success, and oversees transition services for our students. She is also the 504 coordinator for Peoria Public Schools.  She believes in students having access to quality post-secondary services that prepare them for college or careers.

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Maegan Skahill, Special Education Coordinator

Ms. Skahill has worked in Peoria Public Schools for 13 years in a variety of roles including high school English teacher, assistant principal, and most recently, special education coordinator. She has a master’s in teaching and a master’s in educational leadership. Maegan currently works with students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade across five buildings as a coordinator. She has a passion for supporting students and staff and creating a welcoming environment rooted in collaboration and shared leadership. Ms. Skahill and her family are proud Peoria residents, and they enjoy many of the parks, events, and activities the city has to offer.

Amber Utt, Special Education Coordinator

Mrs. Utt has worked in different capacities of special education for 14 years. She was a paraprofessional for many years and served as a cross cat and instructional special education teacher, before embracing an administrative role. For the last three years, she has served as Dean of Students, Athletic Director and LEA for her former employer. She is excited to be fully submersed in the special education coordinator role in Peoria Public Schools. She serves students at Hines and Elise Ford Allen. Mrs. Utt holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and a master’s degree in educational administration.  

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Connie Wall, Special Education Coordinator

Interestingly enough, Mrs. Wall started off her professional career in court reporting working for the Sheriff’s Department. Her career choices have evolved over the years and led to different positions within education such as a teacher’s assistant in general education, special education teacher in self-contained classrooms, and now an administrator in special education. Connie serves students and families at Lincoln, Harold B. Dawson, and Sterling. She also oversees the occupational therapy and physical therapy departments. Mrs. Wall states it’s an honor to be a part of a dedicated leadership team.  She is passionate about building meaningful relationships to help teams work well together for the betterment of all our students.