"The goal of The Special Programs Department is to increase academic achievement, and/or close the learning gap for all students, regardless if they are in district, charter, or private schools. The dollars follow the students." - Dr. Diana LaMar  

We are a curriculum-supported, service-oriented team charged with the oversight of federally funded grants and the ongoing implementation, maintenance and compliance of approved grant initiatives. We serve as educational advocates for all grant-qualified public, charter, and private school children who are economically disadvantaged, neglected, and/or homeless. Curriculum-supported initiatives include the SMART Bus, READ Bus, Mobile STEAM Lab, and R.I.S.E. Up Osceola programs that are targeted toward enhancing and supporting the focus of priority schools. In addition, we fund professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators to enhance their instructional skills and classroom strategies. 

The Special Programs team develops partnerships with local and national agencies and organizations to provide mentoring, transportation, medical services, school supplies, field trips, food, personal hygiene and clothing needs, along with collaboration on family services. Our district Parent Involvement outreach initiatives include the Mobile Resource Centers, Poinciana Parent Center, and Title I Parent Advisory Council, which are all in collaboration with other federal programs aimed at engaging families in the academic success of their children.