GISD > Departments > Special Programs : Current Page

Department of Special Programs

The Department of Special Programs directly oversees and/or assists with the administration, coordination and implementation of a variety of school district programs and initiatives.

Programs included in the Special Programs Department

  • Accelerated Math Initiative (AMI)
  • Accelerated Reading Initiative (ARI)
  • Katrina & Rita Displaced Students Impact Aid
  • Magnet Schools
  • Optional Extended Year
  • Prekindergarten School Planning/Implementation
  • Section 504
  • State Compensatory Education
  • Summer School Curriculum Writing
  • Summer School Programs

Other departments administrated under Special Programs

Gift & Talented Programs

Federal Programs

Special Programs Department Staff

The spectrum of programs provides instructional services and support for Pre-kindergarten to the twelfth grade district wide. In order to effectively lead, support, and coordinate the variety of programs, Special Programs staff work with district staff, administrators, directors, principals, teachers, parents and students as appropriate.

The staff of the Special Programs Department pledges to be positive and professional in working with district staff and the community. The Department of Special Programs fully supports and participates in the district’s collaborative decision-making process, and is committed to the pursuit of educational excellence and the accomplishment of GISD school mission and district goals.

Special Programs

Joseph G. Lopez, Ph. D
Director of Special Program

Debra Coleman , Secretary
Jagruti Rana, Secretary Assistant

Federal Programs

Dr. Cathy Ostmeyer, Ed. D
Assistant Director of Special Programs

Donna Fernandez
Grants Acquisition & Management Specialist  

Cynthia Oliver
Specialist for Literacy Teachers

Sondra Reid
Coordinator of Parents as Teachers

Norma Lopez , Secretary
Susan Burns, Federal Programs Bookkeeper
Martha Rojas, Migrant Liaison

Pam Holcomb
Title I Technology Facilitator

Gifted and Talented

Linda Phemister
Coordinator of Gifted and Talented

Sally Anderson, Secretary

Department Contact Information

Phone Numbers

Special Programs: (972) 487-3177
Federal Programs: (972) 487-3185
Gifted & Talented: (972) 487-3193
Fax (972) 485-4933

Street Address

Harris Hill Administration Building
501 S. Jupiter Road
Garland, TX 75042-7108

Email

Special Programs: A917@garlandisd.net
Federal Programs: A891@garlandisd.net
Gifted & Talented: A899@garlandisd.net

Box #

Special Programs: 607
Federal Programs: 608
Gifted & Talented: 614