Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled (MSSD) is a state operated program serving Missouri students with severe disabilities. Established by state law in 1957, MSSD serves children and youth between the ages of 5 and 21. MSSD is administered by the State Board of Education through the Office of Special Education. MSSD is supported primarily by funds appropriated annually by the Missouri Legislature.
Main offices for the MSSD superintendent and other supervisory staff are located in Jefferson City. Area offices are located in Sedalia, St. Louis and Joplin. Area directors work with the MSSD schools in their service areas.
MSSD serves students with severe disabilities throughout the state. A student is referred to MSSD when the local school district is unable to meet his or her educational needs. The district must develop justification reflecting that placement in a separate school is the least restrictive education environment to meet the student's identified needs.
MSSD VISION
Empowering every learner, honoring every ability.
MSSD MISSION
Our mission is to create a safe, compassionate, and trusting learning community where every student is embraced for who they are and inspired to reach their full potential.
We are committed to:
- High-quality individualized learning
- Meaningful relationships
- Supportive environments
- Diverse programming
- Student academic success
- Social skill development
- Growing student confidence
- IMPORTANT UPDATES
August 3, 2026:
Student registration is NOW OPEN! Starting August 3, 2026, families can register their student(s) for the 2026-27 school year. Registration closes August 21, 2026. New this school year, student registration can be completed online through Focus, MSSD's Student Information System. You must create a Parent Portal Account and link to your student first, before accessing student registration forms. Please contact your school if you need any assistance.
- Create your Focus Parent Portal Account here!
- Step-by-step instructions on how to create your Focus Parent Portal Account can be found on the MSSD Focus School Information System webpage.
Important news and fun updates are shared each month in MSSD's Monthly Newsletters!
- 2026-27 School Year Resources
Focus, MSSD's Student Information System
School Resources
- MSSD OFFICES
Central Office
- Dr. Greg Caine, Superintendent
- Jimmy Hale, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Dr. Melinda Aholt, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education - David Percival, School Business Director
- Candice Kleffner, Assistant School Business Director
- Janay Allen, School Data Specialist
- Kathryn Taylor, School Data Specialist
- Sarah Rotter, Human Resource School Specialist
- Cheri Landers, Human Resource Analyst
- Kayla Moehle – School Data Specialist
- Mekayla House – School Data Specialist
- Peyton Peters, School Human Resource Analyst
- Brandi Turnbough, School Human Resource Analyst
- Danny Rydman, School Services Director
- Chiquita Small, School Safety Director
- Samantha Marsicovetere, School Services Director
- Nicole Boulware, Assistant School Services Director
- Ashley Sundberg – Assistant School Services Director
- Suzanne Cooney, RN, MSN, Director of Nursing
- Debbie Harrison, Director of Food & Nutrition
- Nick Luebrecht, Community Relations Facilitator
Area Office I
- Dr. Shawn Packard, Director
- Scott Williams, Assistant Director
Area Office II
- Karensue Hensley, Director
- Vacant
Area Office III
- Patrick Brady, Director
- Dawn Henningsen, Assistant Director
- MSSD SCHOOLS
- Map of School Locations
- Autumn Hill School, Union
- Boonslick School, St. Peters
- Bootheel School, Clarkton
- B. W. Robinson School, Rolla
- Cedar Ridge School, Nevada
- Current River School, Doniphan
- Dale M. Thompson/Trails West School, Kansas City
- E. W. Thompson School, Sedalia
- Greene Valley School, Springfield
- H. Kenneth Kirchner School, Jefferson City
- Helen M. Davis School, St. Joseph
- Mapaville School, Mapaville
- Maple Valley School, Kansas City
- Mississippi Valley School, Hannibal
- New Dawn School, Sikeston
- Oakview School, Monett
- Ozark Horizon School, West Plains
- Parkview School, Cape Girardeau
- Shady Grove School, Poplar Bluff
- Skyview School, Mountain Grove
- Special Acres School, Park Hills
- Verelle Peniston School, Chillicothe
- MSSD Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP)
- MSSD REIMAGINED
- MSSD “Get the Lead Out” Test Results
- District Billing Statute
- HIPAA Privacy Notice
- IMACS Instructions
- Wellness
- FOCUS Student Information System
- Missouri State Board of Education Program Policies - MSSD
- Webapps
For media related inquiries, contact DESE Communications or call (573) 751-3469.