Federal Programs
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It is the policy of the Bradford Special School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in its educational programs or employment policies as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
If you feel your rights have been violated under one of the above Acts, please contact:
Matt Bryan, Federal Programs Director
731-742-3180
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The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to public education and essential services. Recognizing that housing instability can create barriers to school attendance and success, the Act protects the right of eligible students to enroll in school immediately, remain in their school of origin when it is in their best interest, and receive transportation and other supports needed to stay engaged in learning.
The Act defines homelessness broadly to include children and families living in shelters, motels, doubled-up with others due to economic hardship, or in other temporary or inadequate housing situations. Through McKinney-Vento, school districts are required to identify and support students experiencing homelessness and to remove obstacles that may prevent them from fully participating in school. The goal is to provide stability, continuity, and equal educational opportunity during times of housing instability.
Matt Bryan, Homeless Director
731-742-3180
McKinney-Vento For Parents Flyer
McKinney-Vento for Parents Flyer Spanish
McKinney-Vento School Age Flyer
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The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program provided federal funding to help school districts respond to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These one-time funds supported schools in maintaining safe learning environments and addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
ESSER funding allowed districts to expand learning opportunities, provide additional academic and mental health supports, improve technology access, and invest in health and safety measures. The goal of ESSER was to help students recover from pandemic-related disruptions and continue moving forward toward academic success.
Amy Dunn, BSSD ESSER Director
731-742-3180
ESSER Health & Safety District Plan Needs Assessment Spanish
ESSER Community Engagement District Check List
ESSER District Public Plan ESSER Federal Relief Funds Spanish
ESSER Needs Assessment ESSER Health & Safety District Plan Spanish
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive the support and services they need to succeed in school. Through IDEA, eligible students are provided a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual strengths and needs.
IDEA focuses on helping students learn, grow, and prepare for life beyond school by offering personalized instruction, related services, and supports in the least restrictive environment possible. Working in partnership with families, schools develop individualized plans that promote access, inclusion, and meaningful progress for every student.
Cindy Boyd, Special Populations Director.
731-742-3180
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (English)
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)
Parent Resource: Understood.org
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, including public schools.
In the school setting, Section 504 ensures that eligible students receive appropriate accommodations and supports so they have equal access to education. Section 504 is considered a general education program. Students who qualify under Section 504 are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), meaning educational services and accommodations are provided at no cost to parents and are designed to meet the individual needs of the student as effectively as the needs of students without disabilities are met.
The purpose of Section 504 is to “level the playing field” by removing barriers to learning and ensuring students with disabilities are able to fully participate in school programs and activities. Students and families are also protected by procedural safeguards under Section 504.
Additional guidance and detailed information about Section 504 can be found in the Tennessee Department of Education’s Section 504 Manual.
For questions regarding Section 504 services or eligibility, please contact your local school.
Section 504 Contacts
Elementary School 504 Coordinator
Brenda Siddell, 731-742-2118Middle / High School 504 Coordinator
Phillip Tyler, 731-742-3152District 504 Director
Amanda Casey, 731-742-3180 -
Bradford Special School District (BSSD) believes that families are essential partners in student learning. Our Parent and Family Engagement Plan is designed to strengthen the connection between home, school, and community in order to support student success.
BSSD promotes a welcoming school environment where families feel valued, informed, and encouraged to participate in their child’s education. Open and ongoing communication between families and school staff helps ensure that students receive consistent support both at school and at home.
Research shows that students achieve at higher levels when families and schools work together. When parents and guardians are actively involved, students are more likely to attend school regularly, demonstrate positive behavior, and achieve academic success that extends beyond graduation.
Strong family engagement contributes to:
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Greater confidence among families in supporting learning at home
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Improved academic performance
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Increased student attendance
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Positive student behavior and attitudes
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Higher graduation rates
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Better preparation for college or career pathways
Each school, under the leadership of the principal, regularly evaluates family engagement needs and develops action steps to support meaningful family involvement. Schools provide guidance, resources, and opportunities for families to participate in educational programs that align with state academic standards and ESSA requirements.
The Parent and Family Engagement Plan is reviewed annually during the Title I meeting by a group of parents, community members, and school staff. Feedback from families is used to guide revisions to the plan and the school–parent compact to ensure they continue to meet the needs of BSSD students and families.
Matt Bryan, Family Engagement Director
731-742-3180
February 12, 2026 BSSD Family Engagement Meeting 4:00
February 12, 2026 BSSD Family Engagement Meeting 3:00
BES February 12, 2026 Family Engagement Meeting / Student Parent Compact
BHS February 12, 2026 Family Engagement Meeting / Student Parent Compact
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Bradford Special School District is committed to providing high-quality instruction for every student, regardless of language background. We currently serve all identified English Learners through daily instruction provided by one ESL teacher. Our English Learner Program focuses on building strong communication skills and increasing English language proficiency. The ESL teacher works collaboratively with classroom and content-area teachers to ensure English Learners have full access to the curriculum and the support needed for academic success.
Bradford Special School District’s Board Policy for English Learners can be viewed here . Policy 4.207
Services Provided
- Screeners for language proficiency (ELPA 21 Screener)
- Annual English language proficiency assessments for identified ESL students (ELPA 21 Summative)
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) tailored to each student’s language needs
- Small-group instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Supplemental language and literacy software and instructional materials
- Spanish translator on-site
- LTC – Language solution (translation / interpretation)
ESL Teacher K-12
Carla Copous
English Language Learner Director / Title III
Cindy Boyd
731-742-3180
Bilingual Site for Parents & Educators Sitio bilingüe para padres y educadores
Student & Family Learning PortalPortal de aprendizaje para estudiantes y familias
BSSD ILP Oversight Plan 2025-2026
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Bradford Special School District (BSSD) works to identify and support students who may need accommodations due to a disability. This process is known as Child Find.
If a parent, guardian, or staff member has concerns that a student may qualify for services under IDEAor 504 they should contact the school to request a meeting. Anyone may request a meeting to discuss concerns and explore ways to support the student.
The school team, which includes family members and school staff who know the student, meets to review concerns and determine next steps. The team may put supports or interventions in place and monitor the student’s progress over time.
If the supports are not effective, the team may meet again to adjust the plan, recommend additional screening, or consider a full evaluation to better understand the student’s needs.
Child Find 2025-2026 Child Find 2025-2026 Spanish
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Title I, Part A is a federal education program designed to ensure that all students have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to receive a high-quality education. Title I provides additional funding to schools that serve higher percentages of students from low-income families, helping to support academic success and close achievement gaps.
Through Title I, schools offer extra instructional support, intervention services, and family engagement programs that strengthen learning in reading, mathematics, and other core subjects. The program focuses on meeting the needs of students who require additional assistance while promoting schoolwide improvement and equitable access to educational resources.
Matt Bryan, Title I Director
731-742-3180
BES Annual Title Meeting 2025-2026 BHS Annual Title Meeting 2025-2026 BES Updated Title I Curriculum BHS Updated Title I Curriculum Right to Know
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The Bradford Special School District Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2031) outlines a clear roadmap for improving student outcomes and preparing every learner for success beyond graduation. Grounded in our mission and vision, the plan focuses on equity, high-quality instruction, and strong partnerships.
Organized around three districtwide goals, this strategic framework aligns with the State Board of Education Master Plan to increase student achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness for all students.
If you have questions about the BSSD Srategic Plan, please contact:
Amy Dunn or Amanda Casey
731-742-3180
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Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for success in college, careers, and life beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning, industry-aligned programs, and real-world experiences, our district’s CTE programs equip students with the academic knowledge, technical skills, and employability skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Supported by federal Perkins V funding, we are committed to providing equitable access to high-quality career pathways that reflect local workforce needs and open doors to future opportunities.
Meredith Jacobs, CTE/ Perkins V Director
731-742-3180
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