The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles every student with a disability to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) through their local school district from birth to age 21. To ensure a FAPE, a team of professionals from the local educational agency meets with the student's parents to identify the student's unique educational needs, to develop annual goals for the student, and to determine the placement, program modification, testing accommodations, and other special services that the student needs. These decisions are recorded in a written Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plan. The school is required to develop and implement an IEP that meets the standards set by federal and state educational agencies.

STMA is a member of the Sherburne and Northern Wright Special Education Cooperative. The cooperative supports the schools by providing a wide variety of services and programs to students and families including:

• Assistive Technology Consultants
• Audiologists
• Autism Consultant
• Home Based Teachers and Speech Clinicians
• Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Teachers of the Visually Impaired
• School Psychologists
• Center Based Programs for students with Developments Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) ages 5-21 years old
• Elementary Level 4 Program for students with significant Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Home Based Services for children ages birth to three years old
• Early Childhood Evaluation and Services ages three to seven years old

Sherburne and Northern Wright County Special Education Cooperative

Contact Us

Heidi Nistler - Special Education Director
Email: heidi.nistler@monticello.k12.mn.us

Sherburne and Northern Wright Special Education Cooperative Website

Dr. Amy Larkin - Manager of Special Services
Address: STMA District Office 11343 50th Street NE Albertville, MN 55301
Phone: 763-497-6507 or 763-497-3180 ext. 95507
Email: amylar@mystma.org

Kris Jenkins - Special Education Coordinator, Grades 5-12 

Phone: 763-497-4524 ext. 94217
Email: kristenj@mystma.org

Jessica Metke - Special Education Coordinator, Grades K-4

Phone: 763-280-1047
Email: jessicamet@mystma.org

Janelle Ortiz - Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Email: janelle.ortiz@monticello.k12.mn.us