Special Education

Kay Altizer, Director of Special Education
Cassandra Powell, Secretary
2020 Bonar Street
Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: (510) 644-6210
Fax: (510) 644-6211

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Mission Statement

To create and sustain an educational community where each child, respecting of his or her exceptionalities:

  • Is welcomed
  • Is valued,
  • Is appropriately supported,
  • Is safe,
  • Is an equal participant, and
  • Is expected and challenged to learn and achieve.
Name Position All emails are Phone
Kay Altizer Director, Special Education firstnamelastname@ 644-6210
Cathi Hackbarth Administrative Coordinator berkeley.net 644-8913
Cassandra Powell Administrative Assistant 644-6210
Cathie Stillman Accounting Technician 644-6212
Ly Vo Records Clerk 644-4589
Elaine Eger Program Supervisor 644-6210
Lisa Graham Program Supervisor 644-6210
Diane Colburn BHS Program Supervisor 644-8988
Gwen Augstin Program Supervisor 644-6210
Jane Kaer TSA Resource Specialist 644-6210

Extent/type of support services provided

Each students’ IEP determines the level/type of support needed, including support which may be necessary for school personnel. Extent/type of services questions are best answered on a case-by-case basis.

University of Oslo 2012 Interns and BUSD Educators

Other Resources

The North Region SELPA is a multi-district SELPA (Special Education Local Area Plan) located in Northern Alameda County which includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emery and Piedmont Unified School Districts. It provides resources to districts and parents, including updates on parent and educator workshops, committee news and items of interest to teachers and parents.

The Berkeley Special Education Parents Network (BSPED) (http://www.bsped.org or phone Jill Herschman 510-290-3798) represents families of students in the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) who have special educational needs. BSPED goals are to:

  • advocate for disabled students in the district
  • share information and resources
  • provide support for families of disabled students by helping to ensure that all eligible students receive appropriate services.